Ex-Border Agent In Minn. Pleads Guilty To Lying

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- A former U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agent has admitted making up a story about his family being threatened so he could be transferred to the southern border.

Thirty-year-old Andrew Rodriguez of East Grand Forks pleaded guilty Wednesday to one count of making a false statement.

The U.S. Attorney's office says Rodriguez told FBI agents that he was on his way back to Grand Forks, N.D., on Nov. 7 when he was pulled over by two men. Rodriguez said the men threatened to harm his family if he didn't do what they said.

Later, prosecutors say, he admitted he made up the story in an effort to relocate to the south.

A sentencing date has not been set.

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