Fulton woman opts for plea instead of third trial for illegal re-entry
News October 09, 2025

Fulton woman opts for plea instead of third trial for illegal re-entry

SYRACUSE — An Oswego County woman whose two previous trials for illegal reentry into the United States ended in deadlocked juries took a plea Monday instead of going to trial a third time.

**Fulton Woman Averts Third Trial, Pleads Guilty to Illegal Re-Entry**

SYRACUSE — After two previous attempts to secure a conviction resulted in hung juries, a woman from Oswego County has opted to plead guilty to illegal re-entry into the United States. The decision, made in court Monday, avoids what would have been a potentially exhausting and costly third trial for both the defendant and the government.

The case, which has been ongoing for an unspecified period, centers around the woman's alleged unlawful return to the U.S. after having been previously deported. The specifics surrounding her initial deportation and subsequent return have not been publicly disclosed, but the government has clearly pursued the case vigorously, as evidenced by the multiple attempts to reach a verdict.

Legal experts suggest that the decision to accept a plea bargain after two unsuccessful trials indicates a pragmatic approach from both sides. For the prosecution, a plea guarantees a conviction, avoiding the risk of a third hung jury and the associated expenditure of resources. For the defendant, a plea deal often involves a lighter sentence than what might be imposed if convicted after a full trial. The exact terms of the plea agreement were not immediately available.

The repeated inability of juries to reach a unanimous verdict in the previous trials raises questions about the complexities of the case and the evidence presented. Hung juries can occur for various reasons, including differing interpretations of the law, disagreements over the facts, or even emotional considerations among jurors.

The woman's decision to plead guilty marks the end of a protracted legal battle. While the plea avoids a third trial, it also signifies an admission of guilt for the charge of illegal re-entry. The sentencing is scheduled to take place at a later date, at which time the court will determine the appropriate penalty based on federal sentencing guidelines and other relevant factors. The case serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges inherent in immigration enforcement and the judicial process.
Category: Politics