MARTINSBURG, W. Va. — The former Acting Director of the Tactical Operations Division for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection pleaded guilty to misusing his government-issued credit card at a West Virginia casino.
United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced Gene Protogiannis, 55, of Lovettsville, Virginia, entered a plea of guilty to “Wire Fraud” in Federal court in Martinsburg.
Protogiannis admitted to using his official government credit card to obtain cash advances at the Hollywood Casino in Charles Town.
The total amount of cash withdrawn at the casino was $115,853.55.
He faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
The actual sentence imposed will be based on the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and the criminal history of the defendant, if any.
Assistant United States Attorney Paul T. Camilletti handled the matter on behalf of the government and the case was investigated by the West Virginia State Police.
U.S. District Court Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Ihlenfeld urges anyone with information regarding public corruption in their community to call the West Virginia Public Corruption Hotline at 855-WVA-FEDS (1-855-982-3337), or to send an email to wvafeds@usdoj.gov.