Thread: Former Border Patrol agent arrested in drug case

Former Border Patrol agent arrested in drug case
The Associated Press
Article Launched: 05/29/2008 06:25:33 PM MDT


DEL RIO, Texas—A former U.S. Border Patrol agent was arrested Thursday on charges alleging she conspired with drug smugglers to distribute marijuana, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.
Raquel Esquivel, 24, was indicted Wednesday on a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana.

Prosecutors said the indictment, unsealed Thursday, alleges that in 2006 Esquivel, who was then a Border Patrol agent, gave drug traffickers sensitive law enforcement information to help them smuggle marijuana into the United States from Mexico.

Esquivel was fired by the Border Patrol March 21, prosecutors said.

If convicted, Esquivel could face up to 10 years in prison.

It is unclear if she has a lawyer.






http://www.elpasotimes.com/news/ci_9419205

Ex-Border Patrol agent receives 15-year sentence
© 2009 The Associated Press
Nov. 30, 2009, 6:14PM

DEL RIO, Texas — A former Border Patrol agent convicted of helping drug traffickers safely smuggle marijuana has been sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Raquel Esquivel was sentenced Monday in a Del Rio federal court, seven months after a jury found the 25-year-old guilty of conspiracy with intent to distribute more than a ton of pot.

Prosecutors say Esquivel tipped drug traffickers in 2007 about authorities stationed along the Pecos River, and provided guidance about how to avoid getting caught by Border Patrol agents.

Esquivel had served in the Border Patrol less than a year.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/6746094.html