[Miami, FL] Think those TSA guys are a little too handsy? Try crossing the border.
On Monday, U.S. Customs Officer Paulo Morales, 47, was arrested for allegedly groping the breasts of women who were in custody back in January 2011 at the Miami International Airport.
Maybe he thought the women were trying to smuggle in some cantaloupes.
Morales was hit with a six-pack of indictments Sunday by a federal grand jury. The customs officer is charged with depriving three women of their civil rights (a misdemeanor) and for engaging in abusive sexual contact (a felony).
Morales faces up to 9 years in prison for these very serious crimes (all joking and fruit references aside). It should be noted that an indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General is investigating the case while the Department of Justice‘s Civil Rights Division is prosecuting.
By: Mark Christopher/Sunshine Slate
Image: U.S. Customs and Border Patrol
Related reading:
Lawyer: Officials meet slain Mexican boy’s parents (Broadcast Newsroom) U.S. Justice Department officials met Tuesday with the parents of a 15-year-old Mexican boy who was fatally shot by a Border Patrol agent to explain why they have decided not to pursue a criminal case against the agent, …
Big deal for boat maker (The Kingston Whig-Standard) Construction of all 10 boats, including two that are to be used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Navy, is expected to take three years. MetalCraft is awaiting word on a separate $55-million contract to build 101 boats for the U.S. Coast …
CBP: Smuggler had liquid meth in windshield fluid reservoir (Monitor) U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced the seizure of more than 20 pounds of liquid methamphetamines hidden within a vehicle. According to information released Tuesday by CBP, the seizure took place Friday, when a 28-year-old woman drove …
customs officer
