McALLEN, Texas - Jose Luis Huerta-Aguilar, 31, of Rio Bravo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, has pleaded guilty to bribery of a public official, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today.

On June 14, 2012, a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent began communicating with via radio with Huerta-Aguilar who was requesting assistance in obtaining entry for himself and two other undocumented aliens. On June 16, 2012, Huerta-Aguilar met with the agent at the Progreso Port of Entry at which time Huerta-Aguilar delivered United States and Mexican currency to the agent as payment to permit Huerta-Aguilar and the aliens entry into the United States without inspection.

Earlier today, Huerta-Aguilar appeared before Judge Micaela Alvarez and entered his plea to bribery of a public official. Huerta Aguilar will remain in custody pending sentencing which is set for Jan. 16, 2013, at which time he faces up to 15 years in prison and a possible $250,000 fine. 

The investigation leading to the charges against Huerta-Aguilar was conducted through a joint effort with The Department of Homeland Security-Office of Inspector General, Office of Professional Responsibility, Customs and Border Protection - Office of Internal Affairs and Customs and Border Protection. Assistant United States Attorney Juan Villescas prosecuted the case.