Jury Convicts BP Agent in Drug Smuggling Corruption Case at I-19 Checkpoint

In a significant judicial outcome, a jury convicted former Border Patrol agent Jorge J. Jimenez of conspiracy for facilitating the smuggling of narcotics through the I-19 checkpoint. Jimenez, 54, hailing from Rio Rico, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud after a 10-day trial presided over by U.S. District Judge Rosemary Marquez.

The conviction carries severe consequences, with Jimenez facing up to 20 years in prison, three years of probation, and a potential fine of $250,000. His sentencing is scheduled for July 9, 2025.

Jimenez, employed by the Border Patrol since 2010, was implicated in a conspiracy involving two co-conspirators, which ran from July to October 2024. Evidence indicates they collaborated to bypass border security protocols at the checkpoint, located near Amado, south of Tucson.

Reports reveal Jimenez communicated with co-conspirators via WhatsApp, alerting them about his operational lane and the timing of drug-sniffing dog inspections. Vehicles bearing specific identifying features were sent to his lane, where Jimenez would allow them to pass without inspection.

Recovery of messages by federal agents indicated a coded language, using basketball terminology to discuss narcotics transactions. Jimenez reportedly earned about $400 for each kilogram of narcotics smuggled, accumulating around $25,000 before being reassigned in early October 2024.

From June to September, Jimenez allegedly cleared at least five vehicles, believed to be carrying a combined total of 60 kilograms of cocaine. Court records revealed that images of the smuggling vehicles were provided to him, and his communications were meticulously documented by the conspirators.

Jimenez’s arrest took place in November following an extensive federal investigation. Agents discovered that payments to him were made through couriers connected to the conspirators’ families. Electronic surveillance traced Jimenez’s WhatsApp activity to three specific smuggling events, further corroborated by video evidence from the checkpoint showing him using a cellphone while on duty.

The jury’s deliberation concluded on Friday afternoon, following a thorough assessment of the evidence presented during the trial. U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine emphasized the importance of integrity within law enforcement, stating, “Mr. Jimenez forgot his oath and put his community in danger for his own gain.”

The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility, and the FBI, with prosecution led by the United States Attorney’s Office in Tucson.