Investigations

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November 2, 2022

Former FMCSA Border Investigator Indicted for Soliciting and Accepting a Bribe

Video Icon USAO, Southern District of Texas - Press Release
On November 2, 2022, a grand jury in the Southern District of Texas indicted Patrick Gorena, a former border investigator for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), on charges of bribery and extortion. The indictment alleged that, from about July 20, 2022, to about August 12, 2022, Gorena solicited a bribe from a regulated motor carrier and later accepted a bribe payment during a meeting with an undercover law enforcement agent. In exchange, Gorena agreed to provide a favorable safety audit report that would allow the carrier to avoid fines and continue operating.
 
DOT-OIG is conducting this investigation with the FBI.
 
Note: Indictments, informations, and criminal complaints are only accusations by the Government. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.