Executive Summary
Laws and Precedent
A Nicaraguan national has been sentenced to five years in federal prison in Miami for illegally reentering the United States after a prior deportation. Marco Orlando Vado, 66, received the 60-month sentence following his guilty plea to illegal reentry, a term that will run consecutively to a separate sentence for violating probation in a drug trafficking case, which stemmed from an arrest for attempted sexual battery of a minor.
Sentencing Details
Senior U.S. District Judge Paul C. Huck imposed the 60-month federal prison sentence on Vado on August 26. This federal term will commence after Vado completes a 72-month sentence he received in June 2024 in Broward County for violating his probation. The probation violation was connected to a drug trafficking conviction and followed his guilty plea in Miami-Dade County to attempted sexual battery of a minor under 12.
Criminal History and Deportation
Vado’s history with U.S. authorities dates back to November 2009, when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) first encountered him. At that time, ICE learned he had been convicted in Broward County of trafficking more than 400 grams of cocaine, leading to a six-year probation sentence. Following this conviction, Vado was deported to Nicaragua on December 23, 2009.
Illegal Reentry and Subsequent Arrest
Despite his removal, Vado illegally reentered the United States. His presence was detected again on April 22, 2022, when he was arrested by the North Miami Beach Police Department. This arrest was for attempted sexual battery of a minor under 12, highlighting the serious nature of his offenses upon his illegal return.
Official Statements and Investigation
The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida and Field Officer Director Garrett Ripa of the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), Miami Field Office. The case was investigated by the ICE/ERO Miami Field Office, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph A. Cooley prosecuting the matter.
This case underscores the severe consequences faced by individuals who illegally reenter the United States, especially those with prior criminal records involving serious offenses.