NEW MEXICO
Former U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer Christopher M. Holbrook plead guilty in federal court in Las Cruces, New Mexico, to obstruction of justice, according to officials.
The charge stems from Holbrook’s falsification of a report regarding his use of force against an individual, referred by authorities as R.A.M., on March 23, 2015.
At the time of the incident, Holbrook, 31, was working as a Border Patrol officer in Las Cruces, according to officials.
In his plea agreement, Holbrook admitted falsifying an official document.
Specifically, Holbrook falsely claimed in his use-of-force report that when he detained R.A.M., R.A.M. actively resisted and attempted to pull away. Holbrook further falsely claimed that he used the minimal amount of force necessary to control R.A.M. but that he lost control and they both fell to the floor, officials said.
Holbrook admitted that he knew at the time, he intentionally swept R.A.M.’s legs out from under him and caused R.A.M.’s head to hit the floor. Holbrook also admitted that he falsified his use-of-force report to avoid getting in trouble with his superiors.
Holbrook is facing up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date has yet to be scheduled.
“Law enforcement officers are accorded tremendous power to enforce the law and ensure justice. Preventing the abuse of this authority is necessary to protect the rights of our citizens and to maintain public trust in law enforcement agencies,” said U.S. Attorney John C. Anderson of the District of New Mexico. “Those who take an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States must be held accountable when they willfully violate the constitutional rights of others and obstruct justice to cover up their crimes.”