PHOENIX — A Tucson jury found a 54-year-old Border Patrol agent guilty of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud on April 25, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona announced on Wednesday.
Jorge Jimenez, who had been serving as a Border Patrol agent since 2010, faces a maximum prison sentence of 20 years, a $250,000 fine and “three years supervised release” if convicted of the crime.
The Rio Rico resident was found guilty after a 10-day trial conducted by U.S. District Judge Rosemary Marquez, according to a press release.
Jimenez’s sentencing is set for July 9.
Details of Border Patrol agent alleged wire fraud
Court findings revealed that Jimenez “conspired with at least two individuals in Mexico” while stationed at the Interstate 19 Border Patrol checkpoint. He was said to have let five “load” vehicles pass through the security point without having inspected them.
Documents also said Jimenez was promised “half of the $40,000” that the individuals in Mexico were to receive for completing the job.
“Securing the southern border requires an effective law enforcement force, held to the highest standard of integrity,” U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine said in the release. “Mr. Jimenez forgot his oath and put his community in danger for his own gain.”
The FBI, Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General and Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility collaborated in this case.
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