Former Border Patrol agent in Arizona sentenced to 6½ years for conspiring with cartel

PHOENIX — A former Border Patrol agent from Arizona has been sentenced to 6.5 years in prison for a bribery scheme with cartel members in Mexico, authorities announced Monday.

A jury previously convicted 54-year-old Jorge J. Jimenez of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona.

Jimenez, who is from Nogales, was sentenced on Oct. 30, authorities said. He faced a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

His sentencing stems from a scheme that lasted from June 2024 to October 2024. During this time, Jimenez conspired with at least two people in Mexico to allow vehicles to pass through his designated checkpoint lane without inspection, according to prosecutors.

He previously worked as Border Patrol agent since 2010.

Former Border Patrol agent sentenced for aiding cartel, drug trafficking

U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine said Jimenez failed in his duty to protect the Interstate 19 checkpoint he was assigned to during the time of the conspiracy.

“Law enforcement officers who aid cartels for their own profit betray their oaths and the United States,” Courchaine said in a Monday announcement. “While this is the rare exception, border corruption allows dangerous drugs into the country and decreases public trust in the many outstanding men and women serving in law enforcement.”

Not only did Jimenez allow two individuals in Mexico to move previously agreed-upon “load vehicles” through his checkpoint lane without inspection, but he also provided information about checkpoint activities to his coordinators, prosecutors said.

Jimenez expected to receive about $20,000 for his cooperation, with the payment to be made in Mexico.

“This sentence demonstrates that anyone, regardless of authority, will be held accountable if they seek to profit from drug trafficking,” Courchaine said. “I am proud of the District of Arizona and the many United States Border Patrol agents who protect our southern border everyday.”

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