Former CBP officer lied about unauthorized accessing, sharing info

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.