Jose Leon-Avalos, a 32-year-old Mexican national, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for illegal reentry into the United States after being convicted of an aggravated felony. The announcement was made by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus stated that Leon-Avalos was previously convicted of Aggravated Assault and Attempted Indecent Assault in Dauphin County’s Court of Common Pleas in January 2015. Following his conviction, he was removed from the United States on January 6, 2016, through Brownsville, Texas. Authorities allege that Leon-Avalos was found again in Dauphin County on or about August 26, 2025, without legal permission to reenter the country.
The investigation was conducted by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney Stephen W. Dukes is handling the prosecution.
“This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).”
If convicted under federal law for this offense, Leon-Avalos could face up to twenty years in prison, supervised release after imprisonment, and a fine. Sentencing would be determined by a judge according to federal statutes and guidelines.
Authorities emphasized that indictments are allegations only and all individuals charged are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
