Federal Officer Charged with Bribery

El Centro, CA - United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced that Jesus Velasco Esparza, a Customs and Border Protection Officer assigned to the Calexico Port of Entry, was arraigned today in federal court in El Centro by United States Magistrate Judge Peter C. Lewis on a criminal complaint charging him with bribery and narcotics-related violations.

The complaint alleges that, since at least August 2008, Esparza knowingly and intentionally attempted to aid and abet the importation of controlled substances, including at least 1 kilogram of a mixture containing a detectable amount of heroin and at least 5 kilograms of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine into the United States. The complaint also alleges that Esparza was paid a fee, by someone Esparza believed to be a narcotics trafficker, to access the Treasury Enforcement Communications System (TECS) database in an unofficial capacity to check the license plates of vehicles that would be used to smuggle drugs into the United States. The complaint further alleges that Esparza demanded and received bribe money in exchange for committing the foregoing alleged acts.

Agents from the Imperial County Public Corruption Task Force arrested Esparza on October 2, 2008; Esparza is currently in custody.

Esparza is scheduled to be in court next on October 8, 2008, before Magistrate Judge Peter C. Lewis for a detention hearing.

DEFENDANT Case Number: 08mj8918
Jesus Velasco Esparza

SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Count 1: Title 18, United States Code, Sections 201(b)(2)(C) - Bribery Penalties: Maximum: 15 years in custody Maximum: $250,000 fine At least three years supervised release Count 2 - 4: Title 21, United States Code, Sections 952, 960 and 963 – Attempt to Aid and Abet Importation of Controlled Substances Penalties: Minimum: 10 years in custody; Maximum: Life Maximum: $4 million fine At least five years supervised release Count 5: Title 18, United States Code, Section 1030(a)(2)(B) and (c)(2) (B)(I) - Fraud and Related Activity in Connection with Computers Penalties: Maximum: Five years in custody Maximum: $250,000 Fine At least three years supervised release.

INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Federal Bureau of Investigation Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Inspector General Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Office of Professional Responsibility.

A complaint itself is not evidence that the defendant committed the crimes charged. The defendant is presumed innocent until the Government meets its burden in court of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.