He’s a 50-year-old who teaches Spanish to students at Abraham Lincoln Middle School in McAllen. According to news reports, the man told federal law enforcement officials that he was has been helping a Reynosa-based drug cartel for about two years.
The Hidalgo County teacher has been arrested on a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine.
According to reports, the teacher was arrested by Homeland Security Investigations agents. He reportedly told the agents that he has been receiving weekly shipments of drugs delivered in a black Nissan Altima that had been driven across the border.
He then unloaded the shipments that apparently included several kilograms of cocaine hidden in secret compartments in the vehicle.
The suspect has been licensed as a Texas teacher for 20 years, news reports indicate. He has been suspended by the McAllen school, but it is not clear if he will be paid while suspended.
According to a media report, Homeland Security became aware of the teacher about six months ago after investigators were told by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials about a vehicle containing drugs at the Pharr port of entry.
An informant later told investigators that the vehicle and its illegal cargo were then delivered to the teacher in the parking lot of a McAllen store.
Clearly, the suspect faces the possibility of not only losing his job and career, but also losing his freedom.
For those arrested on similar charges, it is important to talk to an attorney experienced in drug defense before speaking with prosecutors or police about their allegations or evidence.