DEA supervisor charged in alleged bribery and visa-fraud scheme

Meliton Cordero, a DEA supervisory special agent assigned to the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic, was arrested and charged in a U.S. complaint with conspiracy to commit bribery and visa fraud. The DOJ alleges he accepted thousands of dollars to assist foreign nationals with nonimmigrant visas and expedited at least 119 applications.

Charging documents allege that, in one instance, Cordero provided a passport and visa in exchange for cash and coached applicants for visa interviews. These are allegations contained in a complaint, not convictions; Cordero is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.