A brazen attempt to bribe a U.S. Border Patrol Agent has landed a 29-year-old Mexican national in hot water.
Samuel Mendoza-Torres, 29, faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of attempting to bribe a U.S. Border Patrol Agent with $400.
According to court records, Mendoza-Torres was apprehended on February 8, 2025, near the Santa Teresa Border Patrol Station. During transport, he allegedly asked the agent, "Can we fix this?" and offered $400 for his release.
In a post-arrest interview, Mendoza-Torres admitted to escorting illegal immigrants into the United States from Mexico. He also acknowledged knowing that offering money to the Border Patrol Agent was illegal.
Mendoza-Torres will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been set. If convicted of the current charges, he faces up to 20 years in prison.
The case is being investigated by the Las Cruces Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau Investigation and the U.S. Border Patrol. Assistant United States Attorney Ry Ellison is prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, and Chief Patrol Agent Walter "Neil" Slosar of the U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector made the announcement today.
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Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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