Customs officer in TX guilty of smuggling, bribes

BROWNSVILLE, TX Prosecutors say Rudy Trace Soliz III of Brownsville last September allowed a woman to pass through his inspection lane at the B&M International Bridge with illegal immigrants, in exchange for sexual favors.

The U.S. Attorney's Office says the 44-year-old Soliz pleaded guilty late Wednesday just before the start of his trial. Sentencing is scheduled for November.

Conviction for transporting illegal immigrants carries a maximum punishment of 10 years in prison. The bribery conviction is punishable by a maximum 15-year prison term.