Cialis, sex toys and money: DHS official charged with trafficking immigrants
A federal officer was arrested Friday and charged with trafficking in undocumented immigrants in exchange for a sexual device, Cialis pills - used to treat erectile dysfunction - and $2,150 in cash.
A federal grand jury indicted U.S. Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection officer Guadalupe Garza, 64, on Sept. 2.
The indictment charges Garza with 13 counts of conspiracy to transport aliens, transporting them within the United States, bringing them into the country, and bribery.
Officials believe Garza was part of a conspiracy that moved the undocumented immigrants by vehicle or guided them on foot.
Court records show that another or other defendants might have been charged, but those documents remained sealed Friday.
The indictment notes that the activity took place from May 2007 through February 2008.
Garza appeared Friday before U.S. Magistrate Judge B. Janice Ellington. She set a $25,000 cash bond.
Arraignment is set for 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.
At a glance:
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection officer Guadalupe Garza, 64, indicted Sept. 2 by a federal grand jury in the U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas.
>Count 1: conspiracy to transport aliens
>Counts 2-3: transporting aliens in the U.S.
>Counts 4-8: bringing aliens into the U.S.
>Counts 9-13: bribery
Penalty: For counts 1-3, up to five years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine: counts 4-8, from three to 10 years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine; and for counts 9-13, up to 15 years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine.
Source: U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas
