By Josh Loftin
The Associated Press
SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah man dodged prison with an unusual ploy — he claimed to be an illegal immigrant and got himself deported to Mexico.
Prosecutors say 27-year-old Jaime Alvarado told Salt Lake City police and immigration officials in 2010 that his name was Saul Quiroz and he had come to the U.S. illegally from Mexico. At the time, he faced felony drug distribution charges, but based on his false identity, authorities sent him back to Mexico.
Using his U.S. passport, Alvarado returned and was arrested again in Salt Lake County earlier this year on an outstanding warrant. He then acknowledged the ruse and was released by immigration officials. He was charged this week with providing false statements to authorities, and a judge has issued a $50,000 warrant for his arrest.