Prosecutors Reveal Man's Attempt to Dodge Charges by Seeking Deportation

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A man from Mexico who turned himself over to federal authorities in Riverside County aimed to be deported as part of the ongoing immigration enforcement efforts. However, his intentions might have been more strategic, as he allegedly sought to create a conflict within the government.

Geovany Espinoza Norzagaray, as uncovered by Seamus Hughes’ Court Watch, was already facing charges of methamphetamine distribution. He had expressed willingness to plead guilty after visiting his grandmother.

While visiting his grandmother in Indio, Norzagaray also tried to “self-surrender at the Indio Border Patrol Station,” according to a motion filed by prosecutors.

Although Norzagaray’s lawyer argued that he went to the Border Patrol station to inquire about his immigration status post-trial, prosecutors contend they have proof that he aimed to get deported before facing the drug charges.

Prosecutors detailed that Norzagaray deliberately arranged his arrest by the Border Patrol, carried only American and Mexican currency, falsely claimed no prior arrests, and even sought to expedite his deportation through a fast-track removal program.

The scheme was revealed when Norzagaray didn’t show up to that hearing to change his plea last month.

As a result, the judge issued an arrest warrant, resulting in his transfer from immigration custody to that of the Department of Justice.

“The evidentiary record developed reveals that the defendant attempted to evade prosecution through deportation,” prosecutors said. “The defendant’s gambit failed.”