DEL RIO, Texas — A former United States Border Patrol agent has pleaded guilty to defrauding the federal government after investigators said he spent official work hours operating a personal business while collecting government paychecks.

According to the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Texas, Ramon Heriberto Cerda Jr., 41, of Eagle Pass, entered a guilty plea Wednesday in federal court in Del Rio to one count of wire fraud.

Federal officials said Cerda owned and operated a business called El Eagle Mail while employed as a Border Patrol agent.

FBI Surveillance Allegedly Showed Cerda at Home, Business During Work Hours

According to court documents, investigators observed Cerda at his residence during scheduled work hours in February and March 2025, despite duties that required him to be working in the field.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation later installed surveillance cameras on April 22, 2025, monitoring both Cerda’s home and his business location.

Federal prosecutors said surveillance footage showed Cerda remaining at home until around 2 p.m. on weekdays before traveling to El Eagle Mail, where he stayed until after 4 p.m.

Authorities said the business was located approximately 15 to 20 minutes from his residence.

Investigators Say Timecards Claimed Full Workdays

While allegedly operating his business, Cerda continued submitting bi-weekly timecards claiming he worked for Border Patrol from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.

According to prosecutors, Cerda claimed 399.58 hours of work between April 22 and June 28, 2025, receiving approximately $17,724.74 in government pay.

Investigators also analyzed cell site location data from both Cerda’s government-issued and personal phones, which prosecutors said corroborated surveillance evidence placing him near his residence during scheduled work hours.

Officials additionally noted there was no activity indicating Cerda traveled to the Eagle Pass Border Patrol station to retrieve a government vehicle for transportation duties.

Faces Up to 20 Years in Federal Prison

Cerda was indicted in October 2025 on:

• Four counts of wire fraud
• Four counts of false statements to a federal agency
• Three counts of receiving stolen government money or property

Under the plea agreement, Cerda pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.

Federal officials said he faces:

• Up to 20 years in federal prison
• A maximum $250,000 fine

Sentencing will be determined later by a federal district judge.

Justin R. Simmons announced the plea as part of the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Duarte II is prosecuting the case.