Former Murrieta police detective Paul John Gollogly, 74, pleaded guilty on Friday, October 13, for taking bribes to assist in immigration for a Colombian art dealer known as "Person A." This person owns art galleries in New York and Spain, alongside a hotel in Mexico, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Central District of California.
Detailed in the plea agreement, Gollogly worked with the Murrieta Police Department (MPD) since March 2013, leading its anti-money laundering program. And had been helping the Colombian national get numerous immigration benefits, involving entry authorization and work permit in the United States.
With the person's business widespread in Colombia, the United States, Mexico, Panama, and Spain, Gollogly registered "Person A" as a CI in April 2013. Between this time and February 2020, "Person A" was granted a variety of immigration benefits including a one-year stay and work permit in the US, while also helping with the person's residency application.
Gollogly misled the DHS through letters of endorsement, suggesting that the CI's operations led to significant arrests, consequential monetary and drug seizures, and follow-up investigations. On the contrary, "Person A" has contributed to none of these results.
In return of the immigration facilitation by Gollogly, "Person A" offered an assortment of benefits like art show tickets, hotel stays for his family and friends, rent payment for a Gollogly relative living in New York City for four months, and a lavish dinner at a high-end New York restaurant in December 2019.
Gollogly's trial is scheduled for January 19, 2024. Although he could face up to 10 years in federal prison, the prosecutors won't argue for more than 18 months' sentence, as per the U.S. Attorney's Office, Central District of California.
