A Guatemalan national, Rocael Lopez-Lopez, residing in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of illegal reentry into the United States. The indictment was announced by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus stated that the indictment alleges Lopez-Lopez was previously removed from the U.S. on December 21, 2012, through Phoenix-Mesa, Arizona. He was reportedly found in Franklin County, Pennsylvania on April 28, 2025, without legal permission to reenter.
The case is part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations. This operation involves resources from the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
The investigation was conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Scalera is handling the prosecution.
Under federal law, the offense carries a maximum penalty of up to two years imprisonment, along with a fine and supervised release. Sentencing is determined by a judge after reviewing federal statutes and guidelines.
It is important to note that indictments are allegations; individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
