Former USDA animal inspector pleads guilty

LAREDO, Texas – A 68-year-old Laredo man has admitted to accepting bribes, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Roberto Adams pleaded guilty to accepting over $40,000 in bribery payments while employed as a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) lead animal health technician.

Adams inspected cattle entering the United States to determine if they met the necessary health requirements to enter the country. Over the course of at least 14 months, Mexican cattle brokers paid Adams to allow cattle into the country without proper quarantine or legitimate inspection.   

U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing Aug. 3. At that time, Adams faces up to 15 years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.  

Adams was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing.

The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of USDA – Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Winter is prosecuting the case.