In an egregious case of malfeasance in office, Roberto Adams who pled guilty in April 2022 to charges of bribery was sentenced to five years in federal prison and required to pay a $40,000 fine.  The Court accepted the prosecution evidence that Adams accepted at least $40,000 in small amounts over a prolonged period to allow cattle to enter the U.S. without inspection for ticks or obvious signs of disease.  The gravity of the crime relates to the possible introduction of tick-borne diseases on uninspected and evidently parasitized animals. 

U.S. Attorney, Al Hamdani stated, "it is critical that we do not allow corruption to infect positions of public trust, including inspectors at the ports of entry".  He added, "they are supposed to ensure the safety and integrity of the agricultural products crossing into the United States.  Adams put that system at risk.  We hope that the sentence serves as a deterrent others thinking of violating their obligations".