A Department of Homeland Security agent took bribes to help a Colombian cocaine trafficker avoid charges, according to authorities.
A Department of Justice news release says Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Christopher Ciccione was indicted by a federal grand jury in Florida Monday on charges of conspiracy, corruption and obstruction of justice.
Court records say Ciccione, of Pennsylvania, accepted about $20,000 in cash, dinner, drinks and prostitution in exchange for getting indictments against Cali Cartel cocaine traffickers, including Jose Piedrahita Ceballos, dismissed.
Authorities say Ciccione altered records and lied to federal prosecutors.