San Diego Jury Convicts Individual Charged in the Death of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol Agent Luis Aguilar

SAN DIEGO, CA—United States Attorney for the Southern District of California Laura E. Duffy announced that following a two-week trial, a federal jury convicted Jesus Navarro-Montes of second-degree murder in connection with the death of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol Agent Luis Aguilar on January 19, 2008, and federal narcotics violations. The guilty verdicts came two hours after jury deliberations began.

According to the evidence presented at trial, Navarro-Montes was driving a Hummer H2 on January 19, 2008, in the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area in Imperial County, California, that struck and killed Agent Aguilar while he was on duty. The evidence further showed that Navarro-Montes conspired to distribute marijuana beginning at a date unknown and continuing up to and including January 19, 2008.

United States Attorney Duffy said, “Our office is gratified by the jury’s verdict in this case and appreciates the service of each juror. The entire prosecution team’s efforts in securing defendant Navarro-Montes’ presence in the United States and the presentation of the case has been nothing short of outstanding. It truly honored Agent Aguilar and the devastating impact this senseless crime has had on his family and colleagues. Luis Aguilar was a human being—cherished, loved, and needed by other human beings. He was a son, a brother, a husband, and father—and there will be a void felt by his parents, siblings, wife, and children that can never be filled. However, it is my greatest wish that this guilty verdict brings some level of peace and closure.”

Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Keith Slotter said,“Today’s verdict should remind all of us of the danger and important work done by our fellow Department of Homeland Security agents who put their lives on the line everyday protecting our nation’s borders. While this case had to focus on how Agent Aguilar died, we will go forward remembering how he lived serving his country.”

“ICE stands fully committed to defeating the criminal organizations perpetuating senseless acts of violence on the U.S./Mexico border,” said Miguel Unzueta, Special Agent in Charge for ICE Homeland Security Investigations in San Diego. “We commend the joint work of all our law enforcement partners who worked tirelessly to seek justice in this case, and offer our prayers to Agent Aguilar’s family, friends. and coworkers.”

United States District Judge Michael M. Anello scheduled a sentencing hearing for June 27, 2011, at 9:00 a.m. The defendant faces a maximum prison sentence of 40 years on the narcotics charges and a maximum sentence of life in prison on the murder charge.

Jesus Navarro-Montes was extradited from the Republic of Mexico on January 28, 2010, to face the charges in the Southern District of California. The extradition was the result of close cooperation between the United States and Mexican law enforcement authorities. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection - Border Patrol - El Centro and Yuma Sectors. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Leshner and Todd W. Robinson handled the prosecution for the United States.