Miguel Abrajan-Morales, a 30-year-old Mexican national living in Fullerton, has been federally charged with carjacking and illegally reentering the United States after deportation, according to a March 9 announcement from the Justice Department.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by federal authorities to address violent crime and immigration violations. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California focuses on prosecuting federal criminal cases and handling civil matters for the government, according to the official website.
According to affidavits filed with the federal complaints, Abrajan-Morales allegedly assaulted a former romantic partner and her coworker outside a restaurant in Placentia on February 27. He is accused of striking the woman several times before taking her vehicle, nearly hitting both victims as he drove away and colliding with another parked car. Both victims sustained visible injuries and told law enforcement they believed he intentionally tried to strike them with the stolen vehicle.
Abrajan-Morales was arrested on March 1 in Ontario. Authorities determined that he had previously been deported twice to Mexico in October 2016 and had no record of permission to reenter the United States. He faces up to 15 years in federal prison if convicted of carjacking and up to two years for illegal reentry.
The Homeland Security Investigations Integrated Operations Group (IOG) and Placentia Police Department are investigating the carjacking case, while HSI-OIG is handling the illegal reentry matter. The IOG includes participation from multiple federal agencies such as HSI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and U.S. Marshals Service.
Assistant United States Attorney Aylin B. Kuzucan is prosecuting the carjacking case; Special Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth D. Bisland is prosecuting the illegal reentry case. E. Martin Estrada has held the position of United States Attorney for the Central District of California, according to the official website.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office serves more than 19 million residents across seven counties and works closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to ensure public safety according to its official website. It also supports community outreach through programs focused on victim assistance and public education.
A complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime; every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
