A former Border Patrol agent in Arizona has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for smuggling drugs, authorities say.
Carlos Victor Passapera Pinott, 56, of Buckeye, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge Jennifer G. Zipps to 18 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, the U.S. Attorneyโs Office in Arizona said in a news release.
Passapera pleaded guilty in June 2023 to bribery and conspiracy to distribute cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin.
While working as an agent in August 2020, Passapera drove his Border Patrol vehicle into the desert west of Lukeville and retrieved two large duffel bags. He then changed vehicles and drove the bags to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, and loaded them into another vehicle.
That car was stopped shortly after leaving the airport, and authorities found 21 kilograms of cocaine, one kilogram of fentanyl and one kilogram of heroin in the bags.
Later, $311,100 in cash was seized from Passaperaโs safe deposit box.
Passapera admitted to accepting large cash payments in exchange for using his position to smuggle drugs, the release said.
Two people pleaded guilty in 2022 to bribery-related charges in connection with the case.
Omar Natalio Martinez Fontes was sentenced to time served after serving over two years in custody. Luis Alfredo Quintero-Gonzalez received time served after serving over 22 months in custody.
โThe citizens of Arizona are the true victims of this crime. Passapera was a trusted agent who took an oath to protect our border and keep drugs out. He broke that oath when he chose money over honor to transport and distribute drugs in this country,โ FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Akil Davis said in the news release. โWe hope this sentence demonstrates that corruption does not pay, and the FBI will continue to investigate and pursue those who abuse their positions.โ
