LAREDO, Texas – A 45-year-old former Customs and Border Protection (CBP) supervisor has been charged with stealing money from the U.S. government, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Alfonso Gonzalez, Laredo, is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Diana Song Quiroga at 1:30 p.m. Monday, June 6.
A federal grand jury returned the one-count indictment June 1, which was unsealed today upon his arrest.
Gonzalez was a former CBP Tactical Terrorism Response Team supervisor, according to the charges. On multiple occasions between Sept. 27, 2020, and Sept. 27, 2021, he allegedly falsified hours on his timesheet. The indictment alleges he falsely recorded additional night and weekend hours when he did not actually report to work. On some of those occasions, he actually traveled to Mexico when he claimed to be at work, according to the allegations.
Further, Gonzalez allegedly fabricated excuses to justify his overtime hours.
As a result, Gonzalez allegedly stole approximately $6,497.52 from the U.S. government, according to charges.
If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
CBP – Office of Professional Responsibility conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Isaac is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.