Former immigration enforcement agent pleads guilty in narcotics conspiracy

NEWARK, N.J. – A former immigration enforcement agent with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) pleaded guilty Wednesday to his involvement in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine and marijuana. The guilty plea resulted from an investigation by the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of the Inspector General, ICE’s Office of Professional Responsibility and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Kordell Nesbitt, 26, of the Bronx, N.Y., who was charged in July 2013, pleaded guilty for arranging for the shipment of marijuana into the New York City area for distribution in the Bronx.

"Federal agents are supposed to uphold our nation’s laws, not break them," said Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara. "Kordell Nesbitt broke laws that he swore to enforce when he played an integral role in a cocaine and marijuana conspiracy. His successful prosecution underscores our commitment to holding accountable law enforcement officers who engage in unlawful activity."

According to the court documents, throughout his involvement in the conspiracy, Nesbitt was an immigration enforcement agent with ICE, who was responsible for escorting detained aliens both within the United States and abroad. In this capacity, Nesbitt was authorized to carry a firearm at all times and avoided screening measures at airports to which civilian travelers are typically subjected.

From May 2013 through July 2013, Nesbitt arranged for the shipment of cocaine and marijuana into the New York City-area. Ultimately, Nesbitt succeeded in coordinating the shipment of pound quantities of marijuana to an apartment in the Bronx. Once the package reached its destination, Nesbitt personally coordinated sales of the narcotics using his cell phone, sending drug customers to the apartment where a co-conspirator executed the sales.

Charges against two alleged co-conspirators, Christopher Sinceno and Sherisse Thompson, remain pending.

Nesbitt faces up to 20 years in prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced May 13.

The charges against Thompson and Sinceno are merely accusations. They are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.