Salvadorian Man Pleads Guilty To Illegal Reentry Into The U.S.
Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 6:30 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
BOSTON, MA.- A 52-year-old Salvadorian national illegally residing in Worcester, Massachusetts, will be facing up to 20 years in federal prison after pleading guilty on Monday to unlawful reentry into the United States after being convicted of an aggravated felony and removed country twice before.
According to U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley, on Monday, May 19, 2025, Juan Alberto Orellana Pena, 52, of El Salvador, appeared in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman to one count of Illegal Reentry into the United States by a Previously Deported Alien Convicted of an Aggravated Felony.
Following entering his guilty plea, Judge Guzman accepted the plea and scheduled sentencing for September 4, 2025. At that time, Orellana Pena faces up to 20 years in federal prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. At sentencing, a U.S. District Court Judge will determine the term of imprisonment based on the seriousness of the offense and Orellana Pena’s prior criminal history.
Upon completion of any sentence imposed, Orellana Pena will face immediate deportation proceedings and be removed from the country.
According To The Charging Information Filed With The Court
According to the charging information filed with the District Court, Orellana Pena unlawfully entered the United States on an unknown date. In 1998, he was convicted of indecent assault and battery on a person fourteen years or older in Worcester District Court. Upon completing his prison term, he was removed from the United States in May 2008.
Sometime after his May 2008 removal, Orellana Pena unlawfully reentered the United States. In Uxbridge, Orellana Pena was pulled over for speeding, which resulted in Orellana Pena being indicted for illegal reentry by a previously deported alien in October 2012. Orellana Pena was sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison. In November 2013, upon completion of his sentence, Orellana Pena was removed from the United States.
On an unknown date and time after his November 2013 removal, Orellana Pena reentered the United States. Federal law enforcement became aware of Orellana Pena’s return to the United States after he was taken into custody and charged in Worcester, Massachusetts, with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault, and battery on a family household member, and assault and battery around June 16, 2024.
   Orellana Pena was arrested on a federal criminal complaint and subsequently indicted by a Federal Grand Jury in October 2024 and has remained in federal custody since that date.
