Cameron County Sheriff's Deputy Arrested

Reported by: Cristina Rendon
Last Update: 6:13 pm


BROWNSVILLE - Federal authorities arrested Cameron County Sheriff's Deputy Jesus Alberto Longoria after an 8-month investigation.

Longoria is facing federal charges for allegedly smuggling weapons into Mexico and taking bribes.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and the FBI allege Longoria unlawfully transported firearms into Mexico in exchange for money.

Four surveillance stings were set up starting back in March, and the 31-year-old sheriff's deputy allegedly met with undercover ICE agents on several occasions and the agents paid him to smuggle dozens of handguns and several assault rifles across the border.

Longoria is accused of directing the cars with weapons into his travel lane at the Veterans International Bridge in Brownsville, where the cars would cross without inspection.

Authorities said Longoria was paid from $1,500 to $4,000 for the smuggling.

Longoria worked as a Cameron County sheriff's deputy and also as a detention officer.

There's no word on Longoria's current employment status with the department, and Sheriff Omar Lucio had no comment.

Longoria is being held without bond.

http://www.krgv.com/news/local/story/Ca ... 49fDQ.cspx