El Salvadorian National Convicted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender and Unlawful Reentry

Alexandria, VA – Nelson Anibal Alas Carabantes, 38, was sentenced to 24 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for unlawful reentry into the United States after being deported and after having been convicted of an aggravated felony. Alas Carabantes will also serve 10 years of supervised release for failure to register as a sex offender.

M. Yvonne Evans, Field Office Director of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Washington Field Office, and Robert Mathieson, U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Virginia (E/VA), made the announcement after sentencing by United States District Judge Liam O’Grady.

Field Office Director Evans stated, “ICE will continue to use immigration enforcement to target recidivist offenders and abusers of our immigration system. Our commitment to partnerships with other law enforcement agencies targeting these individuals only serves to strengthen our efforts.” Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal for E/VA John O. Bolen exclaimed, “This is yet another fine example of the absolute commitment the U.S. Marshals Service has in working jointly to protect our communities from sexual predators.”

Alas Carabantes pleaded guilty to both counts on June 12. According to court documents, Alas Carabantes is a native and citizen of El Salvador who unlawfully entered the United States after being ordered removed as an aggravated felon. In 1994, Alas Carabantes was convicted in the Circuit Court of Pinellas County, Florida for lewd, lascivious acts with a child under the age of 16 and was required to register as a violent sex offender. Law enforcement officers from the U.S. Marshals, ICE, and law enforcement investigators in Texas, Florida, and Virginia helped capture Alas Carabantes after a six month manhunt. Alas Carabantes was also previously convicted for throwing a deadly missile, and assault and battery. Alas Carabantes was also convicted in El Salvador for illegal possession of firearms and sentenced to three years.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and ICE ERO.