Gregson Martinez, Civil Rights Violation, Texas 2021

Former Border Patrol Agent Charged with Civil Rights Violation

A 28-year-old former Border Patrol employee is facing charges that he deprived the constitutional rights of a Honduran teenager, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Authorities took Gregson Martinez into custody today. He is set to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Anne Berton tomorrow at 2 p.m.

According to the charges, on July 21, 2021, BP agents apprehended a 17-year-old unaccompanied Honduran citizen near Hidalgo. They then allegedly transported him to the Donna Processing Center.

Martinez reportedly worked at the Donna facility as a Border Patrol Processing Coordinator.

While authorities questioned him, Martinez allegedly struck the 17-year-old male across the face.

Martinez was terminated Aug. 2, 2021. If convicted, he faces up to a year in federal prison and a possible $100,000 maximum fine.

The Department of Homeland Security - Office of Inspector General and Customs and Border Protection - Office of Professional Responsibility conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Garcia is prosecuting the case.

A criminal information is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

**Mandatory Facts:**

**Defendant:** Gregson Martinez

**Crime:** Violating the civil rights of a Honduran teenager

**City and State:** McAllen, Texas

**Date:** July 21, 2021

**Sentence:** Up to 1 year in federal prison and a possible $100,000 maximum fine

**Dollar Amounts:** $100,000 maximum fine

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/federal-agent-charged-violating-civil-rights