A former deportation officer has pleaded guilty to money laundering charges while employed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Christopher Washington Toral, aged 49 and residing in Spring, began his tenure with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in 2008, stationed at a processing center in Conroe. In 2023, over a two-month period, Toral agreed to transport $700,000 in drug proceeds using his position as a federal law enforcement officer for cover.
During an undercover operation, Toral transported $200,000 from Dallas to Houston in February 2023, believing it to be proceeds from illegal narcotics sales. Later that month, he made another trip delivering an additional $200,000. In March 2023, Toral agreed to move $300,000 from Newark to Houston on a commercial flight. He bypassed airport security and Transportation Security Administration checkpoints by leveraging his law enforcement credentials.
Toral's actions were motivated by cash payments.
U.S. Attorney Ganjei stated: “Christopher Toral swore to protect America from the cross-border crime and illegal immigration that threatens our national security…but he betrayed that oath.” He emphasized the commitment to hold accountable those who choose corruption over faithful service.
FBI Houston Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams remarked: “In choosing greed over duty, former ICE officer Christopher Toral disgraced the badge he vowed to uphold.” Williams noted that FBI Houston collaborated with DHS-Office of Inspector General (OIG) to expose and bring justice against Toral's activities.
DHS-OIG Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari PhD commented: “Today’s plea sends a clear message that federal employees who violate the trust of the public and break the law will be prosecuted.”
The guilty plea was accepted by U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison with sentencing set for May 15. At sentencing, Toral could face up to 20 years in federal prison along with a potential maximum fine of $1 million.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and DHS-OIG. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carolyn Ferko and John Marck are handling prosecution duties.