The United States Attorney’s Office and the Swanton Sector of the United States Border Patrol announce that, in the early morning hours of June 23, 2018, Border Patrol agents arrested two adult individuals for being found in the United States, having been previously removed from the country. Lucio Hernandez-Martinez, an alien of Mexican citizenship, and Manuel Antonio Flores-Martinez, an alien of Peruvian citizenship, had their initial appearances in federal court in Burlington yesterday before The Honorable John M. Conroy, United States Magistrate Judge for the District of Vermont.

According to the criminal complaint, in the early morning of June 23, Border Patrol agents received a report of possible illegal activity in Norton, Vermont, in an area known for unlawful cross border activity. Agents responded to the area and found the two defendants hiding in a ditch. Both attempted to flee when they observed border patrol agents, and both were later apprehended. Investigation revealed that both men were aliens without permission to enter or remain in the U.S. Hernendez-Martinez was ordered removed on three previous occasions. Flores-Martinez was ordered removed on two prior occasions.

United States Attorney Christina E. Nolan commended Border Patrol for its efficient and effective handling of this matter, and for its diligence in protecting the integrity of Vermont’s northern border.

“I commend the agents involved in this arrest,” said Beecher Falls Station Patrol Agent in Charge Paul Kuhn. “Through their vigilance they were able to interdict two aliens, who had previously been removed, from furthering their illegal entry into the United States.”

The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charges are merely accusations, and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty.

The Swanton Sector Border Patrol is responsible for securing the land border between ports of entry in Vermont as well as New Hampshire and northeastern New York. The assistance of citizens is invaluable in helping the U.S. Border Patrol accomplish their border security mission and they welcome community members to help them keep our nation’s borders safe by reporting suspicious activity at 1-800-689-3362.

For more on CBP’s mission at our nation’s ports of entry with CBP officers and along U.S. borders with Border Patrol agents, please visit the Border Security section of the CBP website.

The prosecutor in this case is Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy Fuller. Lucio Hernandez-Martinez is represented by Frank J. Twarog. Manuel Antonio Flores-Martinez is represented by Maryanne E. Kampmann.