Former DEA Agent and Associate Accused of Aiding Mexican Cartel in Weapons and Money Laundering Scheme
A shocking indictment unsealed Friday in New York alleges a former high-ranking U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent and an associate conspired to launder millions of dollars and procure military-grade weaponry for the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), a Mexican drug organization designated as a foreign terrorist group by the U.S. government in February.
Paul Campo, 61, of Oakton, Virginia, a 25-year DEA veteran who retired in 2016, and Robert Sensi, 75, of Boca Raton, Florida, were apprehended following a sting operation involving a law enforcement informant posing as a CJNG member, according to prosecutors. The case raises serious questions about potential vulnerabilities within the DEA and the ongoing threat posed by increasingly powerful Mexican cartels.
Betrayal of Trust and Allegations of Support for a Terrorist Organization
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton stated that Campo “betrayed his DEA career” by allegedly assisting the CJNG, which he described as responsible for “countless deaths through violence and drug trafficking in the United States and Mexico.” The indictment details a year-long scheme in which Campo and Sensi allegedly agreed to launder approximately $12 million in drug proceeds. Approximately $750,000 in cash was purportedly converted to cryptocurrency, unknowingly flowing back to the U.S. government as part of the sting operation.
Alleged Weapons Procurement and Cocaine Deal
The pair also allegedly discussed acquiring a substantial arsenal for the cartel, including commercial drones, AR-15 semiautomatic rifles, M4 carbines, grenade launchers, and rocket-propelled grenades. Prosecutors claim Campo and Sensi provided a payment for 220 kilograms of cocaine, anticipating a share of the $5 million profit from its sale within the U.S. During conversations with the informant, Campo reportedly leveraged his law enforcement background, offering to serve as a “strategist” for the cartel. He previously held the position of deputy chief of financial operations for the DEA, beginning his career as an agent in New York.
Both men appeared in federal court Friday and were ordered detained without bail, with their legal representatives entering pleas of not guilty on their behalf. Mark Gombiner, Campo’s attorney, characterized the indictment as “somewhat sensationalized and somewhat incoherent,” denying any agreement to obtain weapons for the cartel.
Evidence and Prior Criminal History
The government’s case rests on substantial evidence, including hours of recorded conversations between the defendants and the informant, alongside cellphone location data, emails, and surveillance imagery, as detailed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Varun Gumaste.
Adding another layer to the case, prosecutors revealed Sensi’s prior convictions in the late 1980s and early 1990s for mail fraud, defrauding the government, and theft totaling $2.5 million. Gumaste further stated that evidence suggests Sensi was previously involved in a scheme to procure military-grade helicopters for a country in the Middle East. Amanda Kramer, Sensi’s attorney, argued for his release pending trial, citing his health issues – including recent injuries, early-stage dementia, and Type II diabetes – but her request was denied.
DEA Under Scrutiny Amidst Rising Misconduct Cases
The allegations against Campo and Sensi come at a sensitive time for the DEA, which has faced increasing scrutiny over a series of misconduct cases involving its agents. DEA Administrator Terrance Cole acknowledged the damaging impact of the allegations, stating they “undermine trust in law enforcement,” even though Campo is no longer employed by the agency.
The Associated Press has documented at least 16 DEA agents facing federal charges over the past decade, ranging from offenses like child pornography and drug trafficking to leaking intelligence and selling firearms to cartel associates. This pattern has exposed significant gaps in the agency’s oversight and accountability. In response, the DEA implemented stricter controls on the use of funds in money laundering stings starting in 2021, and now mandates potential termination for even a first offense of serious misconduct – a departure from previous administrative policies.
Campo and Sensi are charged with four conspiracy counts related to narcoterrorism, terrorism, narcotics distribution, and money laundering. The case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges law enforcement faces in combating the growing power and reach of Mexican drug cartels and the potential for corruption within its own ranks.
Collins reported from Hartford, Connecticut. Associated Press writer Joshua Goodman in Miami contributed to this report.
