A former U.S. Border Patrol Agent has been sentenced to 87 months in prison for attempting to distribute methamphetamine and receiving bribes.
Hector Hernandez, a 44-year-old former agent, pleaded guilty in January to admitting that he took bribes to smuggle methamphetamine and people across the U.S.-Mexico border while on duty. Hernandez, who was sworn to protect the border, chose personal greed over the safety of others.
In his plea agreement, Hernandez acknowledged he 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 admitted that he opened restricted border fences on several occasions to allow people to illegally enter the United States in exchange for cash payments of $5,000 per opening. He was arrested after meeting with an undercover agent and agreeing to pick up a bag full of narcotics hidden near the border fence.
Agents loaded the bag with 10 kilograms of fake methamphetamine, one pound of real methamphetamine, and a tracking device before placing it in a storm drain near the border fence. Hernandez drove his official vehicle to the storm drain while on duty and retrieved the bag, which he later delivered to the undercover agent.
Upon arrest, agents confirmed that the bag still contained both the sham and real methamphetamine. Hernandez also had $131,717 in cash and 7.7 grams of cocaine seized from his residence. He 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 sentence reflects the magnitude of his actions, which undermined the trust of the public and his fellow law enforcement officers. The case serves as a reminder that federal officials who betray the people they are sworn to protect will be held accountable for their actions.
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- Antioch’s ‘Al Pill’ Sentenced to 16 Years for Meth Trafficking · California
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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