PHOENIX — A Tucson jury has found a veteran U.S. Border Patrol agent guilty of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, federal authorities announced this week.
Jorge Jimenez, 54, of Rio Rico, Arizona, was convicted on April 25 after a 10-day trial in U.S. District Court. The longtime agent, who had served with the Border Patrol since 2010, now faces up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 9.
How did the Border Patrol agent commit fraud?
Prosecutors said Jimenez worked with at least two individuals in Mexico to allow “load” vehicles—presumably carrying drugs or other contraband—to pass through the Interstate 19 checkpoint without inspection.
In exchange, Jimenez was promised half of a $40,000 payment meant for the smugglers if the vehicles made it through undetected.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Jimenez let at least five vehicles go through without checking them, violating his sworn duties and endangering public safety.
Officials condemn abuse of position
“Mr. Jimenez forgot his oath and put his community in danger for his own gain,” U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine said. “Securing the southern border requires an effective law enforcement force, held to the highest standard of integrity.”
The investigation was led by the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, and Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility.
Jimenez’s conviction marks another blow to trust in federal border enforcement, particularly amid heightened scrutiny of checkpoint integrity along the southern border.
