Shane Millan, a 53-year-old former Border Patrol agent from Jefferson County, New York, was sentenced to 12 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to two misdemeanor counts of deprivation of rights under color of law. The sentencing took place in federal court in Syracuse.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III commented on the case: “Everybody deserves respect, and we will not tolerate the sexual exploitation of immigrants by members of law enforcement. Nobody is above the law.”
Vance Kuhner, Special Agent in Charge for the New York Field Office of the Office of Professional Responsibility at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), also addressed the matter: “U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) holds its employees to the highest standards of conduct and does not tolerate any employee who violates their oath or the rights of citizens and non-citizens,” said Kuhner. “The actions of this ex-U.S. Border Patrol agent are deeply troubling and do not reflect the values of the Border Patrol or CBP’s mission to protect the American people, safeguard our borders, and enhance the nation’s economic prosperity.”
Millan admitted that while serving as a Border Patrol Agent, he deprived multiple victims of their constitutional right to be free from unreasonable searches during virtual processing related to admission into the United States. He commanded these individuals to expose their bare chests via webcam under false pretenses, claiming it was part of legitimate search procedures but acknowledging that his demands were for personal gratification.
The investigation is being conducted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility Investigative Operations Directorate. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael F. Perry and Michael D. Gadarian are prosecuting the case.
