SAN YSIDRO, Calif. (KGTV) -- A 70-year-old U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer was arrested Wednesday after prosecutors say he strangled a traveler in San Ysidro.
Prosecutors say while on duty, Harvey Booker, 70, strangled a traveler at the San Ysidro Port of Entry that resulted in “bodily harm.”
No details on what led up to the incident were released about the July 8 incident.
“There is no excuse for law enforcement officials to abuse the significant trust and power placed in them,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Braverman. “Law enforcement takes great pride in protecting the civil rights of all people. When that trust is betrayed, we must hold that officer accountable.”
CBP responded with the following comment.
“U.S. Customs and Border Protection stresses professionalism, honor and integrity in every aspect of our mission and does not tolerate actions by any employee that would tarnish the reputation of our agency,” said Pete Flores, Director of Field Operations.
The agency says they are cooperating with the FBI and DHS in the investigation. If convicted, Booker faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for deprivation of rights under the color of law.
Booker’s next court appearance is scheduled for September 7.
