Desmone Bastian, 33, spent eight years working on the Canadian border at Blaine before his 2006 arrest on bribery and other charges. A few months before Bastian's arrest, prostitute Sandra Maas was taken into custody at the border with narcotic pills stuffed in her panties.
Bastian was found not guilty of aiding and abetting the importation of marijuana. Jurors could not reach a verdict on three other charges, including two drug-related offenses.
"The family is disappointed that he was convicted at all," said Bastian's attorney, Michael Nance. "But he dodged a major bullet" on the drug charges because they carry stiffer sentences.
Bastian, who remains free pending sentencing, refused to comment afterward. He admitted he had sex with Maas but said his duties at the border were never compromised.
The jury deliberated for two days after a five-day trial. Bastian faces up to 15 years in prison when sentenced by U.S. District Judge James Robart on April 7. Nance said that under sentencing guidelines, his client is looking at between 15 and 33 months in prison.
Bastian was found not guilty of aiding and abetting the importation of marijuana. Jurors could not reach a verdict on three other charges, including two drug-related offenses.
"The family is disappointed that he was convicted at all," said Bastian's attorney, Michael Nance. "But he dodged a major bullet" on the drug charges because they carry stiffer sentences.
Bastian, who remains free pending sentencing, refused to comment afterward. He admitted he had sex with Maas but said his duties at the border were never compromised.
The jury deliberated for two days after a five-day trial. Bastian faces up to 15 years in prison when sentenced by U.S. District Judge James Robart on April 7. Nance said that under sentencing guidelines, his client is looking at between 15 and 33 months in prison.
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