Officer accused of smuggling in exchange for sex device, pills

Emma Perez-Treviño (The Brownsville Herald)

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.

It was not clear from the court documents what type of sexual device it was.

A federal grand jury on Tuesday indicted U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer Guadalupe Garza, 64, on 13 counts of bribery, conspiracy to transport aliens, transporting aliens within the United States and bringing aliens into the country.

Officials believe Garza was part of a conspiracy that moved illegal immigrants by vehicle or guided them on foot.

Court records indicate others may also have been charged as part of the alleged operation, but those documents remained sealed Friday.

The indictment notes the alleged activity took place from May 2007 through February this year.

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.

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A federal grand jury on Tuesday indicted U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer Guadalupe Garza, 64, on the following charges:

>> Count 1: conspiracy to transport aliens.

>> Counts 2-3: transporting aliens in the United States.

>> Counts 4-8: bringing aliens into the United States.

>> Counts 9-13: bribery.


If convicted, he could face the following penalties for each count:

>> Counts 1-3: up to five years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine.

>> Counts 4-8: three to 10 years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine.

>> Counts 9-13: up to 15 years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine.

Source: U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas