May 14, 2015

CBP Officer Charged with Collecting Pay for Hours Not Worked

LAREDO, TX—Federal charges have been filed against Jesus Javier Garcia Jr., of Laredo, alleging he committed larceny by wrongfully collecting more than $40,000 in government pay for hours he did not work, announced United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson.

The indictment was returned under seal May 12, 2015, and unsealed today upon his arrest. Garcia, 34, is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge J. Scott Hacker tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.

If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

The investigation leading up to the indictment was conducted by Customs and Border Protection—Office of Internal Affairs and the FBI-Border Corruption Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher S. Coker is prosecuting this case.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.