LAREDO, Texas – Pedro Palacios, 36, of San Antonio, Texas, has entered a plea of guilty to one count of wire fraud arising from his theft of blank checks from the Border Patrol Union Council (BPUC) Local 2455, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today.

At the hearing this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Diana Song Quiroga, he admitted he stole checks from his father-in-law and forged his signature. At the time, his father-in-law was BPUC’s treasurer. Palacios then deposited 63 checks totaling $225,385 into his personal account between July 23, 2011, and Nov. 29, 2011. 

Palacios admitted he discovered the opportunity to steal the BPUC checks when he was hired by his father-in-law to repair a computer and was paid with a BPUC check. Palacios forged the signatures onto the checks and then deposited them electronically using a cell phone software application. He also stated he knew he would eventually be caught.

Palacios was indicted and arrested last month and released on bond. He was permitted to remain on bond pending his sentencing hearing, which will be set in the near future.

This case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D.J. Young.