A former U.S. Border Patrol Agent, Hector Hernandez, has been handed an 87-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to attempting to distribute methamphetamine and receiving bribes for smuggling contraband and people across the U.S.-Mexico border. According to details from the plea agreement shared by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Hernandez admitted that he used his position to facilitate the illegal entry of undocumented immigrants and the movement of controlled substances into the United States.
In addition to orchestrating border fence openings for a $5,000 fee per incident, Hernandez also took Mexico-based smugglers on a guided tour along the border to pinpoint optimal locations for smuggling operations. His nefarious activities extended to provide sensitive information about surveillance equipment, leveraging his insider knowledge to subvert the law he was sworn to uphold. Notably, in a clearly defined betrayal of trust, Hernandez agreed to personally retrieve and transport a drug shipment for an undercover agent in exchange for $20,000 – a shipment that, unbeknownst to him, contained both real and fake methamphetamine.
"Agent Hernandez disgraced his badge when he chose to smuggle both drugs and people across the border," DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Chrysanthis stated. U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the detrimental impact of Hernandez’s actions on public safety and the judicial system's integrity, declaring, "Hernandez put personal greed above the safety of others and this sentence reflects the magnitude of his actions."
The unraveling of Hernandez's corrupt actions commenced when agents caught him red-handed, retrieving a drug-laden bag placed near the border fence. A subsequent search of his residence revealed $131,717 in cash and 7.7 grams of cocaine. Hernandez openly admitted that a substantial portion of the seized money represented proceeds from his illegal trafficking and bribery. As part of his plea, the disgraced agent was compelled to forfeit his vehicle used in the drug delivery, the incriminating cash, and his stake in the property where the drugs were temporarily stashed.
Reflecting on the grave breach of duty, U.S. District Judge Janis L. Sammartino condemned Hernandez's actions: "Border Patrol is an honorable and admirable agency of the Government sworn to protect and safeguard our borders... [Hernandez] chose to betray the agency, the nation and betray public trust." As reported by the DEA, Hernandez's case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean Van Demark and Lawrence A. Casper.
