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Border Patrol agent convicted of smuggling marijuana

A federal court judge in San Diego sentenced a former Border Patrol agent to five years in prison and fined him $500,000 today for smuggling marijuana in his patrol vehicle. KPBS reporter Amy Isackson

A federal court judge in San Diego sentenced a former Border Patrol agent to five years in prison and fined him $500,000 today for smuggling marijuana in his patrol vehicle. KPBS reporter Amy Isackson has the story.

Federal agents arrested Border Patrol agent Luis Higadera with 750 pounds of marijuana in the back of his official vehicle last January.

Higadera was convicted of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.

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At the sentencing, Higareda tearfully apologized to the court and his family and friends who packed the gallery.

His defense said the illegal act was not characteristic and resulted from depression and Higareda's separation from his wife.

The Assistant U.S. Attorney also said the court would not have realized the scope of the Calexico smuggling case without Higareda's help.

An investigation into two other agents is ongoing. And a roommate of one of the agents has pleaded guilty.

Amy Isackson, KPBS news.