According to authorities, a native of Mexico has been arrested and is facing additional criminal charges.  Prior to his recent arrest, 47 year old Evelio Padilla-Ortega had served time in jail for prison and was deported at least twice to Mexico.

Last Friday, police arrested Ortega and he was charged with re-entering the United States after deportation.  It is a felony offense that could result in 20 years of jail time if Ortega is convicted.

Police report that Ortega was deported to Mexico in 2003.  He was also deported in 2005 after he served one year of prison time for aggravated DUI and auto theft charges.   Officers say that in 1988, Ortega committed murder in the state of California.  He then fled to his native Mexico to avoid prosecution.   He was later arrested in Mexico and found guilty of homicide committed in a foreign country.

If you have been charged with a criminal offense in Phoenix and you are in need of legal representation, contact the Knowles Law Firm to schedule a consultation with a Phoenix criminal defense lawyer.