Customs Agent Arrested in Border Corruption Probe



SAN DIEGO September 10, 2012 (AP)

A Customs agent in San Diego has been arrested on allegations he knowingly allowed a convicted immigrant smuggler into the United States, among other things.

The FBI in San Diego and U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Monday announced the arrest of Thomas Silva, a nine-year veteran agent.

Silva is accused of allowing convicted immigrant smuggler Julio Cesar Landaverde to enter the U.S. from Mexico through the San Ysidro (ee-SEE-droh) crossing in April.

Prosecutors say Landaverde is Silva's brother-in-law.

Silva was arrested Friday at the San Ysidro port of entry.

Prosecutors say Silva also illegally earned roughly $7,300 off a false insurance claim on the theft of his personal vehicle.

Silva is charged with wire fraud and concealing a person from arrest. He's due to appear in court Monday.

Customs Agent Arrested in Border Corruption Probe - ABC News