Former Border Patrol agent in Tucson convicted of fraud

A former border agent assigned to the Interstate-19 checkpoint south of Tucson has been convicted of fraud, federal prosecutors say.

Jorge J. Jimenez, 54, of Rio Rico, was working at the checkpoint between July and October 2024, where he performed vehicle inspections. Jimenez conspired with at least two individuals in Mexico to allow “load” vehicles to pass through his assigned checkpoint lane without inspection, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Arizona.

In exchange for his help, Jimenez expected to receive half of the $40,000 that the conspirators were paid for getting five “load” vehicles through the checkpoint, the release said.

Jimenez was convicted on April 25 after a 10-day federal court trial in Tucson.

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He faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 when he is sentenced July 9 by U.S. District Judge Rosemary Marquez, the release said.

“Securing the southern border requires an effective law enforcement force, held to the highest standard of integrity,” U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine, is quoted as saying in the news release. “Mr. Jimenez forgot his oath and put his community in danger for his own gain.”