(CA) Ex-gang member was to return to (AL) preaching, suddenly deported (Barf Alert)

Al.com - Alabama's Home on the Net ^ | May 20, 2002 | The Associated Press

[LurkedLongEnough]

SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) -- A former gang member who was given probation in a 1993 drive-by shooting death in Southern California thought he could return to preaching and a new life he had started in Alabama, but has been deported instead.

Geronimo Galvan Burgos thought he had put his past behind him and was planning to return to Russellville, Ala., to lead a church congregation where he served as pastor and mentor to troubled teens.

Last month, the 30-year-old was sentenced to probation for aiding in a Santa Ana drive-by. Immediately after he left an Orange County court, Immigration and Naturalization Service agents took him into custody.

Authorities said Burgos, born in Mexico, had been deported after a robbery conviction and re-entered the country illegally before the gang-related shooting in 1993.

Last week, Burgos was deported to Mexico, said INS spokesman Francisco Arcaute. Now, county prosecutors fear the INS move could hamper plans to prosecute others involved in the 1993 shooting death of 18-year-old Christian Madera. As part of his sentence, Burgos promised to testify against anyone else prosecuted in the case. He was a passenger but not a gunman when the drive-by killing occurred.

Madera's killer remains at large.

"We didn't have any knowledge the INS was going to do this. It certainly makes it more difficult if we do catch the shooter," said Tori Richards, district attorney's spokeswoman. "This is just a no-win situation."

Burgos' family is devastated, said attorney Vincent Oliver.

"They're absolutely distraught. This is somebody who's led a clean life since 1993. He has small children, a congregation," Oliver said.

"The family is in complete shock. This was totally unexpected," said Burgos' aunt, Alma Rendon. "This is terrible. What about his children?"

[LurkedLongEnough]

This is somebody who's led a clean life since 1993. Somehow rings familiar. Fanatics tend to live "clean" lives, then snap.
What about his children? What's so bad about losing this role model? </sarcasm>

[Bikers4Bush]

Tough. He should have come here legally the first time.

If he isn't smart enough to stay on his side of the border from now on I hope the feds make sure he's deported every time he sneaks across.

[Tacis]

" 'We didn't have any knowledge the INS was going to do this. It certainly makes it more difficult if we do catch the shooter,' said Tori Richards, district attorney's spokeswoman."

Wonderful!! These Californians are going to catch someone who did a shooting in 1993!! Sure they are. Right after they catch the killer of OJ's wife.

[marron]

If he is sincere, God can use him in Mexico. And Mexico is not the worst place to raise kids.

[Twodees]

Think about it, though. All things work to the good for those who love the Lord. He can preach in Mexico if he has a call. He can live a Christian life there as easily as here. Nicky Cruz was an honor roll student compared to the vatos in Eas'Los today. Deportation isn't a moral judgement on him, it's the consequence of his own actions.

[mountaineer]

If he is sincere, God can use him in Mexico.

Absolutely. Besides, he knew he was here illegally. It's not like this has come as a surprise.