(The Center Square) – Three times deported Jaime Santiago-Corona, driver of a car that crashed in North Carolina killing a 6-year-old, has been indicted by a federal grand jury of illegal reentry of a previously removed alien.
The case is part of Operation Take Back America. Corona, deported in 2019, 2023 and 2024, will face two years in prison and a fourth deportation if convicted.
Callie Toler, 6, was pronounced dead at the scene in Pitt County just outside of Greenville, the State Highway Patrol said. Kellie Toler, her 35-year-old mother and Callie’s 4-year-old brother were transported to ECU Health Medical Center.
Corona, 33, gave a 5927 Clark Ford Road address in Ayden. His pickup went through a stop sign; a witness verified it was at a high rate of speed.
The suspect is facing state charges of misdemeanor death by vehicle, failure to stop for a stop sign, careless and reckless driving, and driving while license revoked. Bail was set at $125,000. The Class A1 misdemeanor, the state’s highest, carries up to 150 days imprisonment, license suspension of one year with no ability to obtain a work permit, hardship license or recognized limited privilege.
The case is under investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, commonly referred to as ICE-ERO.
