Alien Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegal Reentry into United States After Prior Felony Conviction for Sexual Conduct with Minor

LAKE CHARLES - On September 24, 2026, United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. sentenced David Joel Hernandez-Sanchez, 42, of Honduras, to 30 months in federal prison for Illegal Reentry of a Removed Alien, after his June 17, 2026, guilty plea.

"This significant sentence reflects the serious penalties that illegal aliens with prior felony convictions and removals from the United States will face if found in the Western District," said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller. "The message this sentencing sends to felons who would violate our immigration laws is clear: the Western District has no place for you, and you will face significant prison time if you are found here."

According to court documents, on March 30, 2026, Hernandez-Sanchez was found by law enforcement in the Western District despite the fact that he had been previously removed from the United States multiple times. Hernandez-Sanchez also had a prior conviction for felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile. Hernandez-Sanchez admitted that he had again reentered the country without legal authorization.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Customs and Border Patrol and the Lake Charles Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney LaDonte A. Murphy with assistance from Legal Assistant Christy Angelle.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, 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.

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Number 2:26-CR-00162.

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