July 23, 2009
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News: Custom's Agents Arrested on CC Fraud
Two Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have been arrested and charged with numerous counts of credit card fraud. Special Agent Michael J. Kittson and Customs Patrol Officer Douglas R. Bothof are charged with conspiracy, theft of government money, wire fraud, and bribery stemming from the misuse of the Departments credit cards. The two officers allegedly racked up over $55,000 in fraudulent credit card charges. Both surrendered without incident to Homeland Security Officers in connection with the 47 count indictment. The indictment accuses both officers along with a third person with fraudulent use of the Border Patrol's cards to pay for goods and services for tools and repair of their personal vehicles.
Authorities had previously charged three of the Patrol Officers' co-conspirators earlier this year. On April 30th, Curtis W. Heim, a former Customs Patrol Officer pleaded guilty to charges stemming from the fraudulent use of credit cards. In June, Dustin Curley, a former automotive repair shop employee, pleaded guilty to knowingly conducting the illegal repairs. The third offender, Jack Lundell, was the former manager of the automotive repair shop where the illegal repairs took place also pleaded guilty to charges of aiding and abetting theft of government money stemming from the use of the credit cards. According to court documents, the owners of the automotive repair shop were unaware of the fraudulent activities. U.S. District Judge Frank R. Zapata have released all three of the criminals on bond and they are awaiting sentencing.
In addition to the automotive repairs, the three officers used the Custom's Patrol's credit cards to purchase thousands of dollars in merchandising including tools and tool boxes, children's mini-motorcycles, gift cards, high ticket sunglasses, All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) helmets, and automobile services for friends and relatives. The case is being handled by Mary Sue Feldmeier the Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Tucson. The gang all face up 5 to 20 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine.