Summary

On June 8, 2011, Eric Hernandez, a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Motor Carrier Safety Specialist, was indicted in U.S. District Court, Laredo, Texas, on a charge of accepting a bribe. 

Mr. Hernandez, a border inspector, allegedly sold a Level I Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) decal to the driver of a commercial motor vehicle knowing that the vehicle had not been inspected.  A CVSA decal is issued to commercial motor vehicles passing roadside or periodic inspections performed under the authority of any state government or the FMCSA.  The alleged activity was reported to the Texas Department of Public Safety (Texas DPS), who initiated an investigation and obtained video footage capturing the incident.  Mr. Hernandez was subsequently arrested. 

Mr. Hernandez has been placed on administrative leave by FMCSA.  This is an ongoing investigation being conducted with assistance from Texas DPS and FMCSA. 

Note:  Indictments, informations, and criminal complaints are only accusations by the government.  All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.