Ex-Border Patrol agent admits role in smuggling
A former U.S. Border Patrol agent pleaded guilty Friday to charges that he acted as a scout for a Tijuana-based criminal organization that conspired to smuggle hundreds of illegal immigrants into the country, authorities said.
Jose Olivas Jr., a 10-year veteran, informed co-conspirators of the operating hours of the Border Patrol’s San Clemente checkpoint on the 5 Freeway so they could avoid vehicle searches. Olivas, 45, who was indicted in January, pleaded guilty to a human-smuggling conspiracy charge. He is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 16.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
