Ex-Drug Agent Admits Bribery

A former federal narcotics agent pleaded guilty Monday to bribery and other felony charges stemming from his sale of sensitive law enforcement information to a private investigative agency.

Emilio Calatayud, a 12-year veteran of the Drug Enforcement Administration based in Los Angeles, was arrested in Mexico in June. He had been on the run since February, when he fled the country to avoid going to trial.

Calatayud, 35, entered guilty pleas to five counts of bribery, failing to appear for trial and tax evasion before U.S. District Court Judge William J. Rea in Los Angeles.

Calatayud faces a statutory maximum of 34 years in prison, but the actual term is likely to be much less when federal sentencing guidelines are applied. Sentencing is set for Nov. 18.

In his plea agreement with prosecutors, Calatayud admitted having sold criminal history and other confidential information over six years to Triple Check Investigations of San Dimas. Triple Check was not indicted.

The stolen data came from three computer systems to which he had access: the FBI’s National Crime Information Center, the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System and the Narcotics and Dangerous Drug Information System of the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The data bases contain information about millions of individuals and businesses, ranging from arrest histories and warrants to motor vehicle records.

Calatayud charged Triple Check $60 to $80 per request. He admitted having pocketed $22,580 for his services.

Calatayud had faced 14 criminal charges. In exchange for his guilty plea to five counts, prosecutors agreed to drop the other nine.