Woman caught at U.S.-Mexico border faces life for contempt of court

A woman caught at the U.S.-Mexico border faces up to life in prison after pleading guilty on Wednesday to contempt of court.

Dania Ramos, 41, formerly of Lincolnton, also pleaded guilty in federal court in Charlotte to failing to report to federal prison, U.S. Attorney Jill Rose said.

Ramos was sentenced to four years in prison in 2012 for her role in a false claims conspiracy. The case involved fraudulent tax returns seeking refunds of more than $5 million, according to court records. The fraudsters used stolen identity information of Puerto Rico residents, prosecutors said.

Ramos failed to report to prison in Hazelton, W. Va., and her whereabouts remained unknown until Dec. 23, 2015, when she was arrested at the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas as she tried to enter the United States.

The failure to report charge carries a maximum five-year prison term and a $250,000 fine. The criminal contempt charge carries a maximum life sentence or a fine. A sentencing date has not been scheduled.

This story was originally published November 23, 2016 at 3:04 PM with the headline "Woman caught at U.S.-Mexico border faces life for contempt of court."