ICE HSI Washington, D.C. investigation lands illegal Dominican alien more than 15 years in prison

RICHMOND, Va. — An investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations Washington, D.C led to an illegal Dominican national receiving 15 years and eight months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin and illegally reentering the United States after a felony conviction. Gregorio Gustavo DeJesus-Santos, 59, received the lengthy prison sentence Feb. 27 at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia in Richmond.

“Not only did Gregorio Gustavo DeJesus-Santos blatantly ignore U.S. immigration laws, he also attempted to distribute poison in our Virginia neighborhoods,” said ICE HSI Washington, D.C. acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher Heck. “This investigation and subsequent sentencing speak volumes of the cooperation between ICE HSI and our law enforcement partners at the Virginia State Police and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. ICE HSI Washington, D.C. will continue to collaborate with our federal, state, and local law enforcement cohorts to prioritize the safety of our communities.”

According to the ICE HSI Washington, D.C. investigation, on Jan. 18, 2024, a trooper with VSP pulled over DeJesus-Santos on I-85 in Mecklenburg County. During the traffic stop, a police canine alerted to the odor of narcotics in Dejesus’ vehicle. VSP searched the car and found a hidden compartment under the passenger seat that extended into the back seat area. The compartment was empty, so VSP released DeJesus-Santos, who traveled to North Carolina.

DeJesus Santos returned to Virginia a short time later, where law enforcement authorities stopped the vehicle for a traffic infraction and, again, a narcotics canine alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle. While searching the vehicle, law enforcement located two packages in the hidden compartment. One of the packages contained 200 grams of fentanyl and the other contained 293 grams of a mixture of fentanyl and heroin.

DeJesus Santos acknowledged as part of his guilty plea that he obtained and redistributed at least three additional kilograms of fentanyl.

DeJesus Santos had been found to be illegally in the United States and removed on six previous occasions, beginning in 1996 and most recently on Oct. 18, 2022, after his release from prison on a felony drug charge in New York.

Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X: @HSI_DC.

Source: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE.gov)