Crime

Romanian National Sentenced to Time Served in St. Thomas Illegal Re-Entry Case After Two Prior Deportations

ST. THOMAS — A Romanian national was sentenced to time served Friday after spending six months and one day in detention for illegally entering the United States after previously being removed, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands. U.S. Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced that Puiu Lacatus, 37, of Romania, was sentenced on June 12, 2026, by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Robert A. Molloy. According to court documents, Lacatus had been charged with illegal re-entry after having previously been removed from the United States. The case began on December 11, when Homeland Security Investigations agents received a tip about a group of illegal immigrants staying at a residence in Estate Contant. HSI agents went to the Contant residence to conduct surveillance and observed Lacatus leave the property and walk toward Nisky Center. Federal agents announced themselves as “Immigration” and asked Lacatus about his nationality and whether he had legal st...