LAREDO, Texas – A brazen scheme to compromise animal health has been exposed. Roberto Adams, a 68-year-old Laredo man, has admitted to accepting bribes totaling over $40,000 while employed as a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) lead animal health technician.
According to court documents, Adams inspected cattle entering the United States to determine if they met the necessary health requirements to enter the country. Over the course of at least 14 months, Mexican cattle brokers paid Adams to allow cattle into the country without proper quarantine or legitimate inspection.
The investigation, led by the FBI with assistance from the USDA – Office of Inspector General, uncovered Adams’ corrupt practices. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Winter is prosecuting the case.
Adams faces up to 15 years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine when U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo imposes sentencing on August 3.
The defendant was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing.
The case highlights the importance of vigilance in ensuring the health and safety of the nation’s livestock. The USDA’s Office of Inspector General continues to work tirelessly to root out corruption within its ranks.
The community is left to wonder how such blatant disregard for protocol went unchecked for so long.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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