CHARLOTTE AMALIE – A man who was born in Mexico and crossed the United States’ southern border to enter here illegally eighteen years ago admitted so in federal court today.
Edgar Ramirez aka Rodolfo O. Salinas, 36, of Mexico City, pleaded guilty to false claim of United States citizenship, U.S. Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert said.
According to a plea agreement filed with the court, on December 20, 2018, Ramirez presented himself for inspection to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas, while attempting to board Delta Airlines flight number 307 to Atlanta.
During primary inspection, Ramirez presented a Pennsylvania identification card bearing the name Rodolfo Salinas to the CBP Officer.
During questioning, Ramirez also stated that he was a citizen of the United States.
Ramirez was referred to secondary inspection where he also stated that he was a U.S. citizen who was born in Texas.
After waiving his Miranda rights, Ramirez stated that he was born in Mexico with dual citizenship in Mexico and Guatemala.
Ramirez stated that in 2001, he paid $2,000 to cross the border into the United States and has been living in the United States ever since.
Ramirez admitted that he told the CBP Officers that he was a U.S. citizen.
Ramirez faces a three-year period of incarceration and a fine of $250,000.
Sentencing is set for June 11, according to Shappert.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Chisholm.