Christopher M. Holbrook, Obstruction of Justice, New Mexico 2015

Las Cruces, NM – In a shocking turn of events, former US Customs and Border Protection officer Christopher M. Holbrook, 31, pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice in federal court in Las Cruces, New Mexico, on March 23, 2015.

According to the Justice Department, Holbrook falsified a report regarding his use of force against an individual, referred to as R.A.M. The report claimed that R.A.M. actively resisted and attempted to pull away, and that Holbrook used the minimal amount of force necessary to control R.A.M. However, Holbrook admitted in his plea agreement that he intentionally swept R.A.M.’s legs out from under him and caused R.A.M.’s head to hit the floor.

Prosecutors claim that Holbrook falsified his use-of-force report to avoid getting in trouble with CBP. The charge stems from Holbrook’s falsification of the report, which is a serious offense that can carry severe consequences.

“Federal law enforcement officers have an unassailable duty to uphold the law,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Civil Rights Division. “The defendant’s unlawful actions, obstruction of justice, and intentional falsification of a report, undermines the public’s confidence in our criminal justice system. This Justice Department will continue to vigorously prosecute such violations of the law.”

“Law enforcement officers are accorded tremendous power to enforce the law and ensure justice. Preventing the abuse of this authority is necessary to protect the rights of our citizens and to maintain public trust in law enforcement agencies,” said U.S. Attorney John C. Anderson of the District of New Mexico. “Those who take an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States must be held accountable when they willfully violate the constitutional rights of others and obstruct justice to cover up their crimes.”

Christopher M. Holbrook now faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date has yet to be scheduled.

This case was investigated by CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brock Taylor of the District of New Mexico U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office and Trial Attorney Julia Gegenheimer of the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.

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