U.S. Department of Justice

Office of the Inspector General

Special Tribute

Special Tribute to Border Patrol Agent C. James Englehardt and Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Stephen S. Martin, Jr.

The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) depends upon the assistance of other Department of Justice components and employees for its successes. We would like to take this opportunity to honor two Department employees who have had a special impact on our work.

Border Patrol Agent C. James Englehardt and Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Stephen S. Martin, Jr., intercepted what they believed to be radio transmissions between a Border Patrol agent and drug traffickers. After proceeding to the area described in the transmissions and summoning assistance, Agents Englehardt and Martin intercepted a 1,200 pound shipment of cocaine valued at $7,800,000. Because they suspected a colleague of involvement in the smuggling operation, they notified the OIG.

Their action led to an investigation by the OIG Tucson Field Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, and U.S. Customs Service. Investigators gathered physical evidence that placed the suspect Border Patrol agent next to the cocaine-laden vehicle. The investigation also revealed that the agent was involved in the importation of drugs from Mexico. Agents Englehardt and Martin were key witnesses at the agent's trial. The agent was convicted of drug trafficking and sentenced to 30 years' incarceration. Three coconspirators were indicted on charges of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; they await trial. The investigation also resulted in the seizure of $217,000.

The efforts of Border Patrol Agents Englehardt and Martin are particularly noteworthy because they were undertaken at substantial personal risk. The small rural location where these agents lived and worked was also the home of the corrupt agent and his criminal associates.

Border Patrol Agent C. James Englehardt and Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Stephen S. Martin, Jr., displayed tenacity and courage throughout this investigation and prosecution. Their actions are a credit to the Department of Justice and the Immigration and Naturalization Service. We congratulate them for their contributions to protecting and preserving the integrity of the law enforcement community.