Tucson, Ariz. – In a shocking turn of events, former Border Patrol Agent Alex Pena has been sentenced to 20 months in prison for his role in a plot to smuggle marijuana into the United States.
Pena, a former member of the Nogales Border Patrol Station, had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to import between 60 and 80 kilograms of marijuana. His guilty plea confirmed his agreement to participate in the smuggling plan, which involved several individuals meeting him at a remote location south of Patagonia in the early morning hours of Aug. 2, 2016.
According to court documents, Pena drove to the remote location in a marked Border Patrol vehicle, dressed in his uniform, and retrieved marijuana bundles to be brought into the United States by smugglers on foot. Although no marijuana was recovered, the subsequent investigation indicated that several individuals met Pena at the location.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Strange stated, ‘It is a sad day when a sworn law enforcement officer violates his oath. But no one is above the law, and our office will vigorously pursue corruption cases to ensure that those responsible for enforcing the law do not flout it.’
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Inspector General. The prosecution was handled by Wallace H. Kleindienst, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Tucson.
Pena’s resignation from the Border Patrol followed his indictment. His sentencing marks a significant blow to the integrity of the Border Patrol and serves as a reminder that those in positions of power will be held accountable for their actions.
Case Number: CR-17-490-TUC-CKJ. Release Number: 2018-089_Pena.
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Key Facts
- State: Arizona
- Category: Public Corruption|Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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