A former USDA inspector has pleaded guilty to accepting bribes to allow cattle into the U.S. from Mexico without inspection.
Then-USDA Lead Animal Health Technician Roberto Adams admitted he received $40,000 in bribery payments, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery on April 25. Adams was arrested in early March in Laredo, TX, for allowing cattle to enter the country without properly inspecting or quarantining them.
Over the course of at least 14 months, Mexican cattle brokers paid Adams to allow their cattle into the country, which were tick-infested and diseased, according to Adam’s indictment.
Adams originally pleaded not guilty in March and said he wanted a jury trial. U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing Aug. 3. Adams faces up to 15 years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine. He was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing.
The FBI conducted the investigation, along with the USDA Office of Inspector General. — Anna Miller,WLJ managing editor
