San Diego customs agent arrested in border corruption probe
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
A Customs agent in San Diego has been arrested on allegations he knowingly allowed a convicted immigrant smuggler into the United States, among other things.
The FBI in San Diego and U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Monday announced the arrest of Thomas Silva, a nine-year veteran agent.
Silva is accused of allowing convicted immigrant smuggler Julio Cesar Landaverde to enter the U.S. from Mexico through the San Ysidro crossing in April.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Prosecutors say Landaverde is Silva's brother-in-law.
Silva was arrested Friday at the San Ysidro port of entry.
Prosecutors say Silva also illegally earned roughly $7,300 off a false insurance claim on the theft of his personal vehicle.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Silva is charged with wire fraud and concealing a person from arrest. He's due to appear in court Monday.