Kordell Nesbitt, an officer with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) – Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) was arrested in July along with co-conspirators Sherisse Thompson and Christopher Sinceno for distributing marijuana and cocaine. Nesbitt pleaded guilty this week in Manhattan Federal Court.
According to court documents, Nesbitt was responsible for escorting detained aliens both within the United States and internationally to foreign countries. In his official capacity, he was authorized to carry a firearm at all times and was exempted from screening measures at airports. Nesbitt used his privilege to carry drugs.
Complaints against Nesbitt reveal that from at least May 2013, he had agreed to receive and distribute multiple packages of cocaine, marijuana and other narcotics in the New York City and purchased these narcotics from Sinceno who was based in Las Vegas.
After receiving drugs from Sinceno, Nesbitt used to deliver them to Thomson’s residence in the Bronx. With Thompson’s assistance Nesbitt sold these drugs to his customers. Nesbitt, after waiving his Miranda rights, told the authorities that he had purchased pounds of marijuana from Sinceno over the past months and Thompson assisted him in distributing marijuana. Following a court authorized search of Thompson’s apartment, a quantity of marijuana was retrieved, a drug scale and zip lock bags, and Thompson later admitted her role in the operations.
After Nesbitt’s arrest, Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara had wryly commented, “Kordell Nesbitt had a duty to uphold the nation’s immigration laws. But as alleged, he also had a side job – coordinating the transport and sale of cocaine and marijuana with co-conspirators … We will not tolerate abuses of trust by individuals who, tasked with preserving law and order, choose instead engage in illicit activity.”
Under his plea deal, Nesbitt will receive up to five years in prison when he’s sentenced. Without the plea deal, he may have received up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $1 million.
Summary:
Kordell Nesbitt, an officer with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) – Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) abused his privilege to carry firearm and exemption from screening at airports to his advantage for a side job – selling drugs and coordinating with co-conspirators – Sherisse Thompson and Christopher Sinceno for distributing marijuana and cocaine in New York City. Nesbitt pleaded guilty this week in Manhattan Federal Court.