Mexican man sentenced to 15 years in prison on drug, gun, immigration charges

INDIANAPOLIS - A previously deported Mexican man was sentenced here yesterday to 15 years in prison for illegally re-entering the United States, and possessing cocaine and a loaded handgun at the time of his arrest. This sentence is the result of an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

Nathaniel Sanchez-Avendano, aka "Jesus Parra-Felix," 32, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison Wednesday by U.S. District Judge David F. Hamilton. Sanchez-Avendano had pleaded guilty to drug possession with intent to distribute, carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and illegal re-entry into the United States after having been deported for an aggravated felony.

Sanchez-Avendano was arrested in Indianapolis in July after he was encountered driving a vehicle containing two kilograms (4.4 lbs.) of cocaine and a loaded 9 mm semiautomatic pistol. ICE agents also discovered that Sanchez-Avendano was previously deported in 2004, following his aggravated felony conviction in Arizona for possessing narcotics for sale. Sanchez-Avendano used the name Jesus Parra-Felix when he was arrested in Indianapolis in July. It is a felony to re-enter the United States after having been formally deported punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

After he completes his prison sentence, Sanchez-Avendano will be turned over to ICE to be deported. There is no parole in the federal prison system.