Border Patrol agent admits to hiding seized drugs

McALLEN - A former U.S. Border Patrol agent pleaded guilty Tuesday to charges that he hid drugs he seized while on duty, authorities said.

The charges stem from a sting operation in August 2006 in which authorities tipped off Juan C. Espinoza, 31, to a duffel bag stuffed with cocaine, which he then seized and hid with the intent to sell the drugs, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office.

"He admitted both verbally and in a written statement to having received a call from another person offering him $2,000 to move a bag of drugs," according to the release.

Espinoza, a nearly eight-year veteran of the Border Patrol, resigned in May this year during an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General into his failure to document drug seizures. It is not clear when he was informed of the investigation or why he resigned nearly two years after it began.

Angela Dodge, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney's Office, did not return messages Tuesday night. Efforts to contact Espinoza were unsuccessful.

Dan Doty, a local Border Patrol spokesman, said Espinoza resigned before the charges were brought against him and added that it's unfortunate an agent tried to sell drugs.

"Agents adhere to the highest standards and we expect them to behave with honor and integrity," Doty said. "When someone doesn't, they have to stand ready to take responsibility for their actions."

Espinoza is expected to be sentenced in mid-September. He faces up to five years in prison and a fine up to $250,000 for failing to report the seized drugs.

He remains free on bond pending sentencing.