A former Border Patrol agent in Texas has admitted to defrauding taxpayers by pleading guilty to charges of wire fraud. This admission comes after investigations revealed he falsely reported hours worked, effectively misappropriating taxpayer funds.
Ramon Heriberto Cerda Jr., 41, from Eagle Pass, committed these offenses between February and June 2025, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas. While serving in the Border Patrol, Cerda was also operating a business named El Eagle Mail.
During February and March, it was reported that Cerda was observed at his residence instead of performing his duties in the field during hours he was meant to be working. The FBI subsequently monitored his home and business using surveillance cameras. Their observations confirmed that he frequently spent his days at these locations rather than in the field, all the while submitting time cards indicating he was on duty with the U.S. Border Patrol from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Between late April and June 2025, Cerda claimed a total of 399.58 hours of pay, amounting to $17,724.74, as stated in the press release.
Having pleaded guilty to wire fraud, Cerda now faces a potential prison sentence of up to 20 years, alongside a maximum fine of $250,000. Sentencing has yet to be scheduled.
