Retired U.S. Border Patrol Agent Charged with Unlawful Sale of an Official Badge or Insignia

United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced that Carl David Pietrantonio, a retired U.S. Border Patrol agent, was arraigned today in federal court in San Diego by United States Magistrate Judge Anthony J. Battaglia on a criminal complaint charging him with unlawful sale of an official badge or insignia of the United States, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 701.

The complaint alleges that on or about January 13, 2009, the defendant sold U.S. Border Patrol items with agency identifying badge and shoulder patches. The items were listed for sale on the “Craigslist Tijuana, Mexico” website at a cost of $468.00. The uniforms are the current version in use by the U.S. Border Patrol. The items included a U.S. Border Patrol Firearms Instructor Jacket with badge patch, three short- sleeve uniform shirts with badge patches and shoulder patches, one long-sleeve uniform shirt with badge patch and shoulder patches, and three uniform pants.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Border Corruption Task Force. During today’s hearing, the defendant entered a not guilty plea. The defendant is next scheduled to be in court on March 11, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. before Judge Battaglia.

Case Number: 09MJ0260

DEFENDANT
Carl Pietrantonio

SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Title 18, United States Code, Section 701
Maximum penalty: Six months in custody

INVESTIGATING AGENCY
Federal Bureau of Investigation

A complaint itself is not evidence that the defendant committed the crimes charged. The defendant is presumed innocent until the government meets its burden in court of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.