New Bedford man previously convicted of murder sentenced for illegal reentry

BOSTON – A Brazilian man who formerly resided in New Bedford was sentenced to ten years imprisonment in federal court in Boston for illegal reentry. The defendant is currently serving a sentence imposed in Massachusetts state court of 25 years-life in prison for a 2016 murder conviction.  The defendant also was previously convicted of armed assault to murder and domestic assault and battery.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Justice, 52-year-old Walter Gomes DaSilva was sentenced by US District Court Judge Angel Kelley to 10 years in prison to be served consecutive to his current state sentence of 25 years-life in prison for murder. In December 2019, DaSilva pleaded guilty in federal court to a one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien.  

“Enforcing this country’s immigration laws for dangerous individuals who commit crimes in this country and then return after deportation is critical to public safety. Mr. DaSilva will pay a serious price for the violence he inflicted on our community,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. 

“This sentence sends the right message to any who think they can violate our immigration laws with impunity and get away with it,” said Todd M. Lyons, Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Boston. “ERO Boston recognizes and appreciates the commitment of the office of U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts for its commitment to prosecuting immigration law violators like DaSilva, who was previously convicted of murder. Enforcement of federal immigration law increases the protection of public safety and protects our communities from the potential threat posed by individuals like this defendant.” 

DaSilva was first deported from the United States in 1999 after being convicted of domestic assault and battery. Sometime after his removal, DaSilva illegally reentered the United States. In 2002, he was encountered by immigration officials after being charged with armed assault to murder in Middlesex Superior Court. DaSilva was later convicted of that charge and was sentenced to 8-10 years in prison. Upon completion of his sentence, DaSilva was placed into removal proceedings and was deported again to Brazil in March 2012.

Sometime after his 2012 removal, DaSilva illegally reentered the United States a second time. In 2016, DaSilva was encountered by immigration officials after being charged with murder in the Bristol Superior Court. DaSilva was later convicted of murder and sentenced to 25 years-life in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and ICE ERO Field Office Director Lyons made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.