May 3, 10

NEWS / CBP at JFK Arrests Woman for Re-entry after Deportation

Jamaica, NY – Joan Harris, a citizen of the United Kingdom and Jamaica, attempted to re-enter the U.S. through JFK International Airport after previously being deported for selling cannabis.

On April 25, Joan Harris arrived from Dublin, Ireland. Harris presented a valid United Kingdom passport under her maiden name Joan Vivienne Smith. A routine biometrics scan, conducted on most visitors and legal permanent residents, matched a record of a previously deported aggravated felon.

The record indicated that Harris had previously been refused a visa by the Department of State under the name Joan Vivienne Harris due to several controlled substance based convictions. Furthermore, Harris’ record revealed she was incarcerated for two years for employing a juvenile to distribute drugs and conspiracy to manufacture and distribute controlled substances.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of New York accepted the case for federal prosecution. Harris has been arraigned and is awaiting trail.

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/local/04302010_1.xml