Source please.
I thought this was common knowledge at FR. Here is a good source: Illegal Reentry Cases
8 USC 1326. The fines and punishments refer to Title 18 of the USC, "Crimes and Criminal Procedure." Getting married or establishing a business (both of which he did) for the purpose of evading immigration laws are also felonies (8 USC 1325).
Looks like he's facing up to 12 years in prison. Deportation may be getting off lightly.