Previously removed illegal alien sentenced for multiple violent offenses in Houston area

HOUSTON, TX -- A 35-year-old illegal alien from Mexico who unlawfully resided in Houston has been sentenced for robbery, carjacking, brandishing a firearm, and illegal reentry.

Jose Luis Reyes-Martinez pleaded guilty July 10.

U.S. District Judge Sim Lake ordered Reyes-Martinez to serve 264 months in federal prison. As an illegal alien, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment.

At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that Reyes-Martinez sexually assaulted a woman after breaking into her home and restraining her and her husband at gunpoint. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the seriousness of the offenses and Reyes-Martinez’s threats to harm the victim’s children if she did not remain silent during the assault. Judge Lake also noted the victim continues to suffer trauma as a result of Reyes-Martinez’s actions.

On Sept. 9, 2023, Reyes-Martinez entered the Fiesta Supermarket on Airline Drive in Houston. He brandished a handgun at two employees, forced one into a frozen meat locker, and demanded cash before fleeing on a bicycle.

Reyes-Martinez then broke into a nearby residence and held a family hostage at gunpoint for several hours. He tied one of them up, sexually assaulted a woman while again brandishing the firearm, and then stole their car.

Forensic analysis on a condom recovered from the assault linked Reyes-Martinez to the crime.

Authorities first encountered Reyes-Martinez in Arizona in 2012 after he illegally entered the United States. Authorities subsequently removed him from the country. Law enforcement later discovered him in Houston on Oct. 21, 2023.

The FBI and Houston Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francisco J. Rodriguez prosecuted the case.