By Steve Neavling
A former Border Patrol agent who worked in the San Diego area pleaded guilty Thursday to bribery and drug charges, admitting he used his position to help smuggle methamphetamine and undocumented immigrants across the border from Mexico.
Hector Hernandez, 55, pleaded guilty to one count each of attempted distribution of methamphetamine and receiving a bribe by a public official. In exchange for his guilty plea, prosecutors dismissed a second bribery charge.
“Agent Hernandez betrayed his badge and his country,” U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath said in a news release. “Instead of providing protection from smugglers and drug traffickers, he joined them.”
Hernandez was arrested in May 2023. A search of his home uncovered nearly $140,000 in cash and nine grams of cocaine.
He admitted that at least $110,000 of the cash was from drug trafficking and bribery.
“Border Patrol Agent Hernandez broke the public’s trust and abandoned his oath,” DEA Special Agent in Charge Shelly Howe said. “Law enforcement officers are required to uphold the law, not break it.”
The investigation was prompted by allegations from the DHS’s Office of Inspector General that he “was engaged in border corruption activities.”
“It’s always disheartening when individuals misuse their positions of trust within our government for nefarious activities,” Stacey Moy, special agent in charge of the FBI’s San Diego Field Office, said. “Let this be a clear message, that we are absolutely resolved with our partners to rigorously investigate and pursue justice in all cases—even when they involve one of our own.”
