News Summary
Harry Marvelle Peless III, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent, was arrested for soliciting sex from an undercover officer posing as a 13-year-old girl. Following an investigation that began in September 2024, Peless faces serious allegations, including a potential maximum sentence of 10 years for attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor. This incident has raised concerns within the agency amid previous misconduct cases among officials.
Detroit, Michigan – Harry Marvelle Peless III, a 51-year-old U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent from Newport, Michigan, has been arrested on charges of soliciting sex from an undercover officer posing as a 13-year-old girl. The complaint was filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan in Detroit, and Peless faces serious legal consequences, including a potential maximum prison sentence of 10 years for the attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor.
The arrest was announced by U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon following an investigation that began when Peless allegedly started communicating with the undercover officer online in September 2024. This communication occurred through a messaging application where Peless and the officer engaged in nearly daily conversations. During these interactions, the undercover officer explicitly informed Peless that she was only 13 years old. He allegedly encouraged her to run away and engage in sexual activities with him.
In November 2024, after a brief hiatus in communication due to the discovery of the chat application by his wife, Peless resumed his conversations with the officer. Subsequently, authorities executed search warrants at Peless’s residence and at the Border Patrol facility on Thursday, recovering significant evidence linking him to the earlier communications while he was present at work. His cell phone was seized, which provided further connections to the chats, solidifying the case against him.
This investigation is part of a broader effort involving multiple federal agencies, including the FBI, U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility, and the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General. Following his arrest, U.S. Customs and Border Protection placed Peless on administrative leave, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to integrity and the seriousness of his alleged misconduct.
The incident has raised concerns within the agency, as it follows a troubling trend. In 2021, a previous CBP officer was arrested on charges related to child pornography, while another high-ranking official faced fraud charges. These events have highlighted issues within the operational practices of the Customs and Border Protection agency.
As of Friday, there is no attorney listed for Peless in court records. The case continues to unfold, and further details regarding the investigation and its implications for Peless and the agency are anticipated.
The arrest of an agent from a federal law enforcement agency, particularly in connection with such serious allegations, underscores the critical importance of maintaining professional standards and ethics in law enforcement. The ongoing investigation will determine the full extent of Peless’s actions and the potential ramifications for the agency’s reputation and operational integrity.
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Additional Resources
- Detroit News
- Wikipedia: U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- CBS News
- Google Search: Border Patrol misconduct
- ClickOnDetroit
- Google Scholar: law enforcement ethics
- Fox 2 Detroit
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Law Enforcement
- Detroit Free Press
- Google News: Border Patrol agent arrested
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
