Houston Deportation Officer Accused

A deportation officer from Spring, Texas, Christopher Washington Toral, 48, has been arrested on charges of transporting nearly $700,000 in what he believed to be drug proceeds. The announcement came from U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani, shedding light on a case that involves a member of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Indictment Details

Toral, indicted by a federal grand jury on April 9, was scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew Edison for his initial hearing. The indictment outlines three separate instances in 2023 where Toral allegedly transported significant sums of money, totaling approximately $700,000, under the belief that they were proceeds from drug transactions.

According to the charges, Toral transported $200,000 from Dallas to Houston between Feb. 9 and 28, 2023. In another instance, he allegedly traveled from Newark, New Jersey, to Houston with $300,000 in U.S. currency in early March 2023.

Potential Consequences

If convicted, Toral could face a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison along with a potential fine of up to $1 million. The severity of the charges underscores the gravity of the alleged offenses.

Joint Investigation

The investigation into Toral’s activities was a collaborative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the DHS Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn Ferko is leading the prosecution, ensuring that the case is handled with diligence and adherence to the law.

Conclusion: Seeking Justice

The arrest of Christopher Washington Toral underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies to uphold the law and hold individuals accountable for illegal activities. As the case progresses, authorities are dedicated to ensuring that justice is served.

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