Hector Hernandez, Meth Distribution, California 2024

SAN DIEGO – In a shocking turn of events, former U.S. Border Patrol Agent Hector Hernandez was sentenced to 87 months in prison for attempting to distribute methamphetamine and receiving bribes. Hernandez, a 45-year-old resident of Chula Vista, California, pleaded guilty in January to charges of conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine, as well as bribery and corruption.

According to court records, Hernandez admitted to taking bribes from Mexico-based smugglers in exchange for opening border fences and allowing unauthorized immigrants to enter the United States. He also agreed to move methamphetamine and other controlled substances from the Southern District of California further north to other locations within the United States.

In a stunning display of corruption, Hernandez took Mexico-based smugglers on a tour of the U.S.-Mexico border, showing them the best locations to sneak unauthorized immigrants into the U.S. He also provided information about the location of monitoring devices and cameras – information only known to him by virtue of his position as a Border Patrol agent.

Hernandez’s corruption went beyond just smuggling people. He also agreed to pick up a bag full of narcotics that would be hidden near the border fence, and deliver it to an undercover agent in exchange for $20,000. The bag contained 10 kilograms of fake methamphetamine, one pound of real methamphetamine, and a tracking device.

The scheme was uncovered when Hernandez was arrested on May 10, 2023, and agents searched his residence, finding $131,717 in cash and 7.7 grams of cocaine. Hernandez admitted to receiving at least $110,000 of the cash in connection with his narcotics trafficking and bribery activities.

“In every instance, the U.S. Attorney’s Office stands ready to reinforce public trust in law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “When that trust is undermined by criminal acts concealed behind a badge, it threatens both public safety and the integrity of our judicial system.”

Hernandez’s sentencing is a clear message that federal officials who betray the public’s trust will be held accountable for their actions. Hernandez’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean Van Demark and Lawrence A. Casper.

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