A U.S. Border Patrol Agent is charged with accepting $25,000 in bribes to distribute methamphetamine and to open a restricted border gate to allow migrants to enter the United States illegally.
Hector Hernandez, 55, of Chula Vista his initial appearance in federal court in early May on charges of attempted distribution of meth, and accepting bribes. According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, the complaint alleges that on May 8, Hernandez made an agreement with an undercover federal agent to open a restricted border gate while on duty to allow an unauthorized migrant to enter the United States from Mexico.
Hernandez agreed to complete this task in exchange for a $5,000 cash payment.
The following day, Hernandez arranged to pick up a duffle bag loaded with meth from a storm drain near the border fence while on duty in exchange for another cash payment. According to the complaint, Hernandez put the bag into his Border Patrol vehicle and drove it to his house in
Chula Vista, where he stored it for the remainder of his shift. According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, Hernandez retrieved the bag on May 10 and met with the undercover agent intending to deliver the drugs in return for an expected $20,000 cash payment. Hernandez was arrested after delivering the drugs.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, Hernandez could face the maximum penalty of life in prison with a 10-year mandatory minimum if convicted for attempted distribution of Methamphetamine, and up to fifteen years in prison for receiving a bribe by public official.
A detention hearing is scheduled for May 16 at 1:30 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Bernard G. Skomal.
