Ex-Calif. Border Agent Gets 7 Years for Corruption

Friday, February 20, 2009 9:21 PM

SAN DIEGO -- A former border patrol agent has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison for helping to smuggle drugs and illegal immigrants into the United States.

Luis Francisco Alarid was sentenced Friday in federal court in San Diego. The 32-year-old from Chula Vista was ordered to forfeit about $175,000 that he took in bribes during his seven months as a Customs and Border Protection officer.

Authorities say Alarid acknowledged he allowed a minivan loaded with more than 260 pounds of marijuana and four illegal immigrants to pass through the Otay Mesa Port of Entry last March.

He was arrested in May by a corruption task force and pleaded guilty to conspiracy and bribery.

http://www.newsmax.com/us/border_patrol ... 83924.html