Federal officer in Puerto Rico indicted on child pornography

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – An officer with U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Puerto Rico has been indicted on charges of child pornography, authorities said Wednesday.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office said Alfredo Maysonet Galarza is accused of possessing more than 1,000 images and videos of girls younger than 12 involved in sexually explicit conduct. He also is accused of advertising, receiving and distributing child pornography.

Maysonet faces 15 to 30 years in prison if found guilty. It was not immediately clear if he had an attorney.

Jeffrey Quinones, a spokesman for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, said the agency is co-operating with the federal investigation, and that any employee charged with a felony is place on indefinite suspension based on the indictment.

“CBP employees who … choose to violate the trust of the citizens they swore to protect will be held accountable,” he said.