Eagle Pass Border Patrol Agent Indicted for Federal Wire Fraud
EAGLE PASS, TX — A federal grand jury indicted Border Patrol Agent Ramon Heriberto Cerda Jr. on 11 federal counts. Prosecutors say he collected pay for hours he did not work while assigned to the Eagle Pass South Station.
The indictment was filed on October 29, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas in Del Rio. Cerda faces charges of wire fraud, false statements to a federal agency, and theft of government money.
Federal Allegations
The indictment states that Cerda worked for the United States Border Patrol Transportation Detail between February and July 2025. His assigned shift was from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with an option for two additional overtime hours each day. Agents assigned to this detail must remain in the field for their full shift and be ready to respond to transportation requests.
Federal prosecutors claim that Cerda spent many of his reported work hours at his home or at his business El Eagle Mail. The business is located in Eagle Pass about 20 minutes from his residence. Investigators say Cerda continued to submit timecards showing ten-hour workdays and received pay for those hours.
Cerda’s wages were wired to a Bank of America account in San Antonio from the National Finance Center in Indianapolis. The payments were processed through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s financial system.
Read: The Wagon Wheel Offers Free Kids’ Meals to Families Affected by SNAP Benefit Delays
Wire Fraud and False Statements
Prosecutors accuse Cerda of carrying out a scheme to defraud the United States government. The indictment lists four separate wire transfers that he received for hours he did not work.
March 31, 2025: $3,181.53
June 9, 2025: $2,983.61
June 23, 2025: $2,939.16
July 7, 2025: $3,383.65
Each payment represents a separate act of wire fraud under federal law. The government also alleges that Cerda submitted false timecards for March 22, May 31, June 14, and June 28, 2025. Each document contained false information about hours worked and was used to obtain money from the Border Patrol payroll system.
Federal investigators say Cerda knowingly submitted false statements to his supervisors to collect pay that he did not earn.
Theft of Government Funds and Forfeiture
Cerda also faces three counts of theft of government money. These charges relate to the June and July wire deposits. Each transfer exceeded one thousand dollars.
The United States has included a forfeiture notice seeking recovery of all funds or property linked to the alleged crimes. Federal law allows the government to seize assets that come from illegal activity. If those funds cannot be located, prosecutors may seek the forfeiture of other assets of equal value.
Read: Uvalde Withholds Records in Regina Santos-Aviles Death Investigation
Case Background and Legal Process
The indictment outlines a detailed timeline of transactions and timecard submissions that investigators reviewed over several months. Evidence includes payroll records, bank account information, and internal Border Patrol documentation. The case falls under federal jurisdiction because the payments crossed state lines and involved federal payroll systems.
The investigation was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Border Patrol’s Internal Affairs Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Duarte II is leading the prosecution under U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons.
If convicted, Cerda could face prison time, fines, restitution, and forfeiture of property obtained through the offenses. Each count of wire fraud carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison. The false statement and theft charges each carry potential penalties of up to five and ten years, respectively.
Cerda remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in federal court. No trial date has been set.
Read the indictment here:
About The Author
