Former CBP officer lied about unauthorized accessing, sharing info

By

Tony Ware

MIAMI, FL – MARCH 04: A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer’s patch is seen as they unveil a new mobile app for international travelers arriving at Miami International Airport on March 4, 2015 in Miami, Florida. Miami-Dade Aviation Department and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) unveiled a new mobile app for expedited passport and customs screening. The app for iOS and Android devices allows U.S. citizens and some Canadian citizens to enter and submit their passport and customs declaration information using their smartphone or tablet and to help avoid the long waits in the exit lanes. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

A former U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer and program manager used his top secret security clearance to access and search classified national security information, sensitive information and protected law enforcement database systems and disclose information to third parties that did not have an authorized need to know. 

Jesus R. Muchacho of Temple Hills, Maryland, pleaded guilty to one count of making false statements regarding his use of these databases while assigned to CBP’s National Targeting Center Cargo in Herndon, Virginia.

In his plea — entered before U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema of the Eastern District of Virginia on Dec. 1, 2016 — Muchacho admitted to falsely stating that he did not gain access to systems for nonofficial use and that he did not send information on high-risk cargo entering the United States and persons associated with such shipments outside CBP systems to foreign nationals.

Muchacho’s sentencing is scheduled for July 7, 2017.

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Tony Ware