A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer has been caught in a web of deceit that has landed him with a hefty prison sentence.
Roger J. Kiley, 42, of Miami, pleaded guilty today in the Southern District of Florida to impersonating a U.S. Customs attaché and making false statements related to his assignment with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance Office in Dublin.
Kiley held a supervisory position at the CBP, stationed at the Preclearance Office in Dublin from 2009 to 2011. However, his time abroad was marred by a string of lies that would eventually lead to his downfall.
According to court documents, Kiley began a romantic relationship with a Dublin resident in 2010 and held himself out to her as the Customs attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Dublin, a position that did not exist. He claimed he could arrange for the embassy to lease the residence she was living in as his embassy residence.
Kiley took his deceit a step further by creating a fake lease from the embassy, a funding cable for the payment of the lease, and even forged a letter from the embassy authorizing the relocation of Kiley and his romantic interest to the United States. The deputy chief of mission’s signature on the letter was also forged.
Kiley’s lies were eventually uncovered, and he was interviewed by federal agents in February 2012. However, he continued to deceive investigators, lying about his involvement in the alleged misconduct.
Kiley faces up to three years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and a year of supervised release for the charge of false personation. He also faces five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release for the false statement charge. Kiley is also responsible for restitution in the amount of $2,500. Sentencing has been scheduled for Dec. 7, 2012.
The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Richard B. Evans of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Robin W. Waugh, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. The case is being investigated by the CBP Office of Internal Affairs.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency has come under fire in recent years for various instances of corruption and misconduct. The agency has implemented several measures to tighten internal controls and prevent such incidents in the future.
As the case against Kiley unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency within government agencies.
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