August 22, 2007

CBP officer charged with witness tampering following ICE OPR investigation

MIAMI - A CBP officer was charged here today in a criminal complaint for witness tampering following an investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) special agents assigned to the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR).

R. Alexander Acosta, United States Attorney, Southern District of Florida, and Steven J. Mocsary, special agent in charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), made the announcement.

Defendant Carlos Manuel Garcia was charged with witness tampering in connection with the performance of his duties as a former Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBPO).

According to the complaint affidavit, the alleged witness tampering began during an argument between the defendant and his then-girlfriend on Aug. 3, 2004, during which the defendant tore up his girlfriend's non-immigrant tourist visa in her passport. The complaint also alleges that Garcia threatened to deport his girlfriend and her family to Colombia.

The complaint also alleges that on Nov. 23, 2004, while on duty as a Customs and Border Protection Officer at Miami International Airport (MIA), the defendant allegedly referred his girlfriend's mother, who was visiting the United States on a legitimate visa, to secondary inspection without justification.

As a result of these actions, ICE-OPR began an internal investigation. Tape-recorded evidence obtained during this investigation reflects that the defendant told his former girlfriend not to cooperate with federal agents during the OPR investigation regarding his conduct.

Mr. Acosta commended the investigative efforts of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Office of Professional Responsibility. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brent Tantillo.

-- ICE --

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was established in March 2003 as the largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security. ICE is comprised of five integrated divisions that form a 21st century law enforcement agency with broad responsibilities for a number of key homeland security priorities.

  Last Modified: