Former Detective Indicted for Smuggling an Individual Into the United States

LAS VEGAS - A grand jury in Las Vegas returned a four-count indictment charging a former Henderson Police Department detective with smuggling an individual into the United States.

"No one is above the law, especially those who have taken an oath to uphold it," said First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. "The indictment of a former detective for smuggling an individual into the United States represents a profound betrayal of the public trust and the thousands of dedicated law enforcement officers who work tirelessly every day to secure our borders. Our office remains steadfastly committed to rooting out corruption at any level and ensuring that anyone who abuses their badge for personal gain is held fully accountable."

"Individuals who knowingly facilitate unlawful entry into the United States and attempt to conceal others from law enforcement undermine the integrity of our immigration system," said Jonathan Sherwin, Deputy Special Agent in Charge for HSI Las Vegas. "HSI Las Vegas remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to investigate and hold accountable those who support illegal entry, transportation and harboring schemes."

According to allegations contained in the indictment, from October 2023 to December 30, 2024, Mitchell Lee Wilson encouraged an individual to unlawfully enter and reside in the United States. On December 30, 2024, Wilson transported the individual into the United States. Once illegally in the United States, Wilson hid the individual from law enforcement detection in buildings and other places.

Wilson is charged with one count of encouraging and inducing illegal entry; one count of bringing alien to the U.S. other than a designated port; one count of transporting an illegal alien; and one count of harboring an illegal alien. Jury trial is scheduled for January 25, 2027, before United States District Judge Cristina D. Silva.

This case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations and the Henderson Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney James Gaeta is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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