Former CBP officer pleads guilty to obstructing justice

The U.S. Justice Department said Christopher M. Holbrook used excessive force against an individual in Las Cruces, N.M., and then falsified his report.    The U.S. Justice Department said Christopher M. Holbrook, a former Customs and Border Protection officer, on Thursday pleaded guilty in a federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to obstructing justice in a case involving the use of excessive force.
   According to the department, Holbrook on March 23, 2015, falsified a report related to his use of force against an individual in Las Cruces. He also admitted that he falsified his report to avoid getting in trouble with CBP.
   The Justice Department said Holbrook now faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date has yet to be scheduled.
   The case was investigated by CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility.
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Chris Gillis

Located in the Washington, D.C. area, Chris Gillis primarily reports on regulatory and legislative topics that impact cross-border trade. He joined American Shipper in 1994, shortly after graduating from Mount St. Mary’s College in Emmitsburg, Md., with a degree in international business and economics.