The complaint alleges that on May 8, 2023, Hernandez opened a restricted border gate while on duty as part of an agreement to allow an unauthorized migrant to enter the United States from Mexico in exchange for a $5,000 cash payment to Hernandez. Hernandez was unaware that he’d made that agreement with an undercover federal agent. Then, on May 9, 2023, in exchange for another cash payment, Hernandez arranged to pick up a duffle bag loaded with methamphetamine from a storm drain near the border fence while on duty. 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. In the morning on May 10, 2023, Hernandez retrieved the bag and met with the undercover agent intending to deliver the drugs in return for an expected $20,000 cash payment, the complaint said. At that meeting, after delivering the drugs, Hernandez was arrested. A detention hearing is scheduled for May 16 at 1:30 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Bernard G. Skomal
DEFENDANT Case Number 23mj1663-BGS
Hector Hernandez Age: 55 Chula Vista, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Attempted Distribution of Methamphetamine – 21 U.S.C., Sections 841(a)(1) and 846
Maximum penalty: Life in prison with a 10-year mandatory minimum
Receiving Bribe by Public Official – 18 U.S.C., Section 201(b)(2)
Maximum penalty: Fifteen years in prison
AGENCIES
Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Inspector General
Drug Enforcement Administration
Federal Bureau of Investigation, Border Corruption Task Force
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant
is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Contact
Assistant U. S. Attorneys Sean Van Demark (619) 546-7657 and Lawrence Casper (619) 546-6734
Original source can be found here