Texas National Guard soldier working with Border Patrol arrested in theft of seized methamphetamine
Laredo TX Aug 30 2018 A Texas National Guard soldier stationed in Laredo has been accused of stealing methamphetamine that had been seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Prior to the theft, Edwin Baez, 21, and another person discussed stealing seized drugs from CBP and then selling or distributing them, according to an arrest affidavit filed Friday in a Laredo federal court. The affidavit does not identify the other individual.
Baez allegedly stole 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine. He was charged with theft of government property, conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
He made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Diana Song Quiroga on Monday. A detention hearing is set for Friday.
If convicted of the drug charges, Baez faces a minimum of 10 years in prison. He also faces up to 10 years if convicted of theft of government property, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Baez had been deployed to the CBP Field Operations Office at the World Trade Bridge to assist officers and agents with drug interdiction and other law enforcement efforts, according to court documents. Prosecutors said Baez also provided mission-enhancing capabilities, such as surveillance, reconnaissance and operational and logistics support.
On Aug. 21, Baez was admitted to Laredo Medical Center with a drug-induced medical emergency. The affidavit does not specify how he arrived at the hospital.
Homeland Security Investigations special agents responded to LMC and advised Baez of his Miranda rights. He allegedly waived his rights verbally and in writing.
He stated that on Aug. 1, he assisted CBP officers with a seizure involving meth that had been concealed within the frames of some paintings.
“While assisting (Office of Field Operations) with the seizure, Baez stated that while no one was looking, he moved one of the methamphetamine-laden frames aside and concealed it in a dumpster among other discarded frames at the World Trade Bridge that did not contain narcotics,” the affidavit states.
The record alleges he returned to the dumpster Aug. 20 and retrieved one of the four bundles of methamphetamine. He put it in a backpack, returned to his hotel room and consumed some of the meth, the affidavit states.
On Aug. 22, HSI special agents said they discovered 0.2 kilograms of meth in Baez’s hotel room and an additional 1.3 kilograms of meth in a frame inside the dumpster. The stolen meth had an estimated street value of $12,000, according to court documents.
Military officials released a statement following Baez’s arrest.
“We can confirm that Private Edwin Baez is a member of the Texas Army National Guard, currently assigned along the southwest border in support of the Department of Homeland Security’s Operation Guardian Support mission,” the statement reads. “Beyond the above information our organization cannot comment further on this on-going investigation. However, the Texas Military Department takes all allegations of misconduct seriously, is fully cooperating with all law enforcement agencies on this matter and must refer you to them for additional information.”
HSI special agents conducted the investigation with the assistance of CBP. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Homero Ramirez is prosecuting the case.
LMTonline.com
