A Romanian man was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison after admitting to illegally re-entering the United States following two previous deportations, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands.
Beni Lacatusu, also known as Beni Aleman and Beni Burcea, was sentenced June 25 by Chief U.S. District Judge Robert A. Molloy for illegal re-entry after removal, the release stated.
According to the press release, Homeland Security Investigations agents encountered Lacatusu near Nisky Center on St. Thomas on Dec. 11, 2025. After identifying themselves as immigration agents and asking about his nationality, Lacatusu said he was Romanian and did not have legal status to remain in the United States. He was taken to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement office, where agents confirmed his identity and immigration status.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office said records checks showed Lacatusu had previously been deported from New York on June 21, 2019, and July 4, 2025. Authorities also determined he had been convicted in New Jersey of credit card theft and fraud on April 17, 2025, had five outstanding warrants in four states, and had previously been convicted of illegal re-entry in the District of New Jersey on June 6, 2025, for which he received a sentence of time served.
