Taking Money as a CBP Officer in Florida: What You Need to Know

Taking money from people crossing the border in Florida can lead to serious charges for CBP officers in Florida. Like many other offenses that occur on the border, this technically constitutes a federal crime. As a result, you might want to get in touch with a Naples federal crime lawyer – as these legal professionals may have more experience with federal courts.

CBP Officer Accused of Stealing $18,000 from Passengers at the Naples Airport 

In June of 2024, NBC News reported that a CBP Officer had pleaded guilty to federal charges in Naples. He admitted to stealing over $18,000 from various passengers passing through the Naples International Airport. The defendant seems to have disguised this theft while conducting routine inspections and “currency verifications.”

As part of his plea deal, the officer has agreed to immediately resign from the CBP. He has also agreed to pay restitution to his victims. However, he may still face further consequences at his sentencing hearing. A total of 18 passengers had money stolen by this individual over the course of about a year. One individual arriving from the Bahamas lost $2,200 during a single inspection.

What Is “Officer or Employee of the United States Converting Property of Another?” 

This former CBP Officer agreed to plead guilty to a single count of “officer or employee of the United States converting property of another.” This is a federal offense, and it falls under 18 U.S. Code § 654.

In order to be convicted of this offense, you must embezzle or “wrongfully convert” funds that come into your possession while you’re carrying out your normal duties as an officer. You must also “convert” the funds to your own use. This is an elaborate way of saying “stealing.”

Under this law, you may face a less serious penalty if you steal less than $1,000. The penalty for this lesser offense is up to one year in prison. If you steal more than $1,000, however, the penalty increases dramatically. This is why the CBP officer in question is now facing up to a decade in prison.

Border agents face various offenses on a fairly regular basis in the United States. Aside from stealing funds from people, these government employees often attempt to participate in drug smuggling activities. The penalties for involvement in these criminal activities are even more serious. In April of 2024, a border agent was sentenced to 18 years in prison for bribery and drug smuggling.

Find an Experienced Federal Crime Lawyer in Florida 

If you’ve been searching for a criminal defense lawyer in Fort Myers, look no further than The Foley & Wilson Law Firm. Over the years, we have helped numerous defendants with various charges – including federal crimes that allegedly occurred during border crossings. Reach out today to assess potential defense strategies in more detail.

Sources: 

nbcnews.com/news/us-news/cbp-officer-pleads-guilty-stealing-18k-flight-passengers-inspections-rcna157864

law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/654#:~:text=Whoever%2C%20being%20an%20officer%20or,or%20claim%20of%20authority%20as