SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — A border officer admitted in court Wednesday to putting his hands around a person's neck and shaking them at the Calexico Port of Entry two years ago.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer Esaul Bello, 53, pleaded guilty to using unreasonable force on the individual while on duty in the primary vehicle lane booth at the Calexico Port of Entry on Nov. 26, 2018.
U.S. Attorney Office officials say during inspection, Bello placed both of his hands around the person's neck, even though they were not resisting. Officials say Bello then shook the person.
The person was applying for admission to the U.S., officials said.
As part of the plea, Bello agreed to resign from his position.
“This is a rare and troubling situation,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. “We will always move swiftly to protect the public from officers who use their power to violate another person's Constitutional rights.”
Bello will be sentenced on June 2, 2020. He faces one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.
