Jorge J. Jimenez, a former U.S. Border Patrol agent from Nogales, Arizona, has been sentenced to 78 months in prison and fined $15,000 after being convicted of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud. The sentencing took place on October 30, 2025, before United States District Judge Rosemary Marquez.
Jimenez had worked as a Border Patrol agent since 2010. According to evidence presented at trial, between June and early October 2024, he was stationed at the I-19 checkpoint where he conspired with at least two individuals in Mexico. He allowed vehicles that had been arranged in advance to pass through his checkpoint lane without inspection and provided information about checkpoint activities to his contacts. Jimenez expected to receive approximately $20,000 for his involvement, with payments arranged in Mexico.
United States Attorney Timothy Courchaine commented on the case: “Law enforcement officers who aid cartels for their own profit betray their oaths and the United States. 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. This sentence demonstrates that anyone, regardless of authority, will be held accountable if they seek to profit from drug trafficking. I am proud of the District of Arizona and the many United States Border Patrol Agents who protect our southern border everyday.”
DHS Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari also addressed the outcome: “U.S. Border Patrol officers take an oath to protect our Homeland Security. Today’s sentencing makes a clear statement that corruption within those ranks will be identified, and those individuals will be held accountable. We are grateful for the cooperation from our law enforcement partners.”
FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke added: "When an officer shrugs off his sworn oath and harms those they promised to protect, he betrays not only the people of his community, but those who also wear the badge. The FBI remains committed to working with our partners and investigate such cases to protect the American people and preserve public trust in law enforcement.”
The investigation was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
