Rapist Former Police Lieutenant Arrested In Human Smuggling Case

CALIFORNIA – A former Los Angeles Police Department lieutenant who is a convicted sex offender, was arrested by San Diego Sector Border Patrol agents on suspicion of human smuggling while armed, federal officials announced Friday.

A tip on Monday led a border patrol agent to an SUV near the border, and the driver flashed a badge and identified himself as a Los Angeles Police Department lieutenant, according to the Department of Homeland Security. However, the man hadn't been a cop since 1993 when he was convicted of forceful rape and sentenced to three years in prison, authorities said.

The arrest happened at about 10 p.m. Monday when a resident noticed activity near the border that appeared to be human smuggling.

"An agent responded to the area and located a vehicle matching the resident’s report. Before the agent could attempt a vehicle stop, the driver of the vehicle pulled to the side of the road and came to a stop," according to a statement by the Department of Homeland Security. "As the agent contacted the driver, a male United States citizen, the driver presented a badge similar in appearance and style to a Los Angeles Police Department badge and identified himself as a lieutenant with the department.

"The agent also observed four individuals in the back seat of the SUV and proceeded to conduct an immigration inspection. The individuals, three adult women and one adult male, advised the agent that they had recently crossed the U.S./ Mexico border illegally."

When agents searched the vehicle they found an un-serialized 9mm handgun known as a “ghost gun” and two fully loaded 9mm magazines and a shoulder holster, authorities said.

“Our agents never know what they are going to encounter on any given day. In this instance, our agents were able to take a dangerous criminal out of the community,” said Chief Patrol Agent Patricia McGurk-Daniel.

Federal authorities did not immediately identify the former officer facing charges.

To report suspicious activity to the U.S Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.