Weather

86°F8:36 PM

Crime

1 read

Ex-CBP Agent Sentenced to 10 Years for Drug and Smuggling Crimes

KVIA•Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 1:50 AM•Yvonne Suarez

Scales of justice representing crime and courts news

Want the full story?

Read the complete article at KVIA

AI Summary

Manuel Perez Jr., a former Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to drug trafficking and smuggling charges. The federal court found that he conspired to distribute over 5 kilograms of cocaine and facilitated the illegal entry of undocumented migrants for financial gain. His actions included allowing multiple undocumented individuals to enter the U.S. in exchange for payments totaling over $25,000. Following his prison term, Perez will undergo 11 years of supervised release. The court also ordered him to forfeit various assets, including cash and luxury items, totaling $200,000 in value.

Key Details: • Sentenced on March 2, 2026, to 120 months for drug and bribery charges. • Conspired to smuggle undocumented migrants and distribute cocaine from November 2019 to February 2025. • Ordered to forfeit assets including a Rolex watch and $3,880 in cash. • Will serve time in a federal medical facility due to health needs. • Supervised release of 11 years post-incarceration.

border crime drug-trafficking smuggling cbp

People & Organizations

El PasoCustoms and Border ProtectionKathleen CardoneManuel Perez Jr.Paso del Norte Port of Entry

Related Articles

Betty Broderick, Notorious Convicted Killer, Passes Away in Prison

Betty Broderick, infamous for her conviction in the 1989 murders of her ex-husband and his new wife, has died while serving her prison sentence. Her case gained renewed attention through a Netflix series that dramatized her life and crimes. Broderick's actions have sparked discussions about domestic violence and mental health, making her a controversial figure in American crime history. The exact cause of her death has not been disclosed, but her passing marks the end of a highly publicized legal saga that captivated audiences for decades.

YouTuber Takes Legal Action Following Arrest Linked to Missing Teen Case

A YouTuber known for covering the case of Sebastian Rogers, a teenager who has been missing since 2024, has filed a lawsuit after being arrested during the investigation. This legal move highlights the complexities surrounding the case and the involvement of social media figures in high-profile investigations. The lawsuit raises questions about the treatment of content creators in sensitive situations and their rights when engaging with ongoing criminal inquiries. The outcome of this case could have implications for similar future situations involving social media influencers.

Decades Later, Kristin Smart Case Sees Renewed Search Amid Ongoing Questions

The investigation into Kristin Smart's 1996 disappearance continues to raise critical questions as authorities recently searched the home of Paul Flores' mother, Susan Flores, but did not recover her remains. Despite advancements in soil science and ground-penetrating radar technology, the search concluded without finding evidence of Smart's body. The Smart family remains hopeful for closure, expressing frustration over the ongoing uncertainty and their belief that Paul Flores obstructs their quest for answers. The sheriff's office is committed to pursuing new leads and techniques to resolve the case and bring Kristin home.

DNA from Chewing Gum Leads to Conviction of Serial Rapist in Cold Cases

Mitchell Gaff, a 68-year-old convicted rapist, has admitted to the murders of Judy Weaver and Susan Vesey, thanks to DNA evidence obtained from chewing gum he discarded during a ruse set up by undercover detectives. The cases, which remained unsolved for decades, were revisited after advancements in DNA technology allowed forensic scientists to connect Gaff to the crimes. Gaff faces a potential life sentence as he prepares for sentencing on April 16. This breakthrough not only brings closure to the victims' families but also highlights the importance of modern forensic science in solving cold cases.