June 14, 2025

Four Individuals Indicted on Immigration Charges in Kentucky

News Summary

Four individuals have been indicted by federal grand juries in Bowling Green and Paducah, Kentucky, for various immigration-related offenses. The charges include illegal reentry after deportation and the use of false documentation. The cases highlight ongoing efforts by federal authorities to enforce immigration laws and combat fraudulent practices. If convicted, several of the individuals face significant prison sentences, underscoring the serious legal consequences of immigration violations. Investigations are ongoing as federal agents continue to focus on maintaining the integrity of U.S. immigration laws.

Bowling Green, Kentucky — Four individuals have been indicted by federal grand juries in Bowling Green and Paducah, Kentucky, this week on various immigration-related charges. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky announced that two individuals face charges of illegal reentry into the United States after being previously deported, while a third individual is charged with using a false passport. The federal investigations are being led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Feliz Morales-Rangel, 38, a citizen of Mexico, was indicted for reentry after deportation or removal. Morales-Rangel allegedly reentered the United States around March 26, 2025, following two prior deportations, one on March 20, 2008 and another on May 1, 2010. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.

Santiago Tehandon-Paneda, 45, also a citizen of Mexico, has been charged in Owensboro with both illegal reentry and making a false claim to U.S. citizenship. Authorities report Tehandon-Paneda was found in the U.S. on May 12, 2025, and allegedly represented himself as a U.S. citizen just days later on May 15, 2025. He has a history of deportation dating back to May 4, 2007 and August 13, 2012. A conviction could result in a maximum sentence of 13 years in prison.

Francisco Campos-Guardian, 32, another Mexican citizen, has been charged with reentry after deportation or removal in a Paducah court. Campos-Guardian was discovered in the U.S. on May 8, 2025, after being previously deported on January 7, 2020. He could face up to 2 years in prison if found guilty.

The fourth individual, Bogdan Drapac, 41, a citizen of Romania, is charged with the use of a false passport. Drapac was arrested during a traffic stop on or about May 14, 2025, for presenting a forged Spanish passport. If convicted, he faces a maximum of 10 years in prison.

Should these individuals be convicted, they will not be eligible for parole. Sentencing will occur in the federal district court, where a judge will determine the appropriate sentence based on federal guidelines and statutory factors.

This series of indictments highlights ongoing efforts to enforce immigration laws and combat fraudulent documentation practices. The investigations into all four cases are ongoing and carried out by HSI and ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) division, which is tasked with enforcing immigration laws in the United States.

Immigration violations, including illegal reentry after deportation and the use of fraudulent documents, have significant legal repercussions. These charges not only apply to individuals trying to enter the U.S. unlawfully but also to those who misrepresent their citizenship status, both of which undermine the legal immigration process. This week’s indictments are part of a broader focus on maintaining the integrity of U.S. borders and immigration laws.

As the investigations proceed, authorities continue to emphasize the importance of adhering to U.S. immigration laws and the consequences that come with violations of these laws.

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Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER

The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.

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