DUI Arrest, Reentry Charge Sends Illegal Honduras National to Prison

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA - An illegal Honduras National was sentenced for reentering the country illegally, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey.

Edwin Leonel Rivera-Gallardo, 40, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison for reentering the United States illegally. Rivera-Gallardo, also known as "William Leonel Gallardo" and "Jose Ortiz Rodriguez Ortiz," was arrested by the Charles Town Police Department in Jefferson County, West Virginia, for third offense driving under the influence, fleeing, and other related charges. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents determined that Rivera-Gallardo once had lawful permanent residence in the U.S. but that was revoked following a criminal conviction. He had been removed from the U.S. five times prior to the DUI arrest in Charles Town.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Eleanor Hurney prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

Investigative agencies include the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Charles Town Police Department.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, and repel the invasion of illegal immigration.

U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.