An LAPD officer from Rancho Cucamonga is accused of smuggling two Mexican citizens into the U.S. Mambasse Patara was taken into custody early Tuesday morning at a Border Patrol checkpoint on the 8 Freeway, near Pine Valley. One neighbor who lives near the officer says he's surprised.
Patara is accused of giving a ride to the two men who crossed the U.S.-Mexico border illegally. He pleaded not guilty Thursday to transporting illegal aliens in U.S. District Court in San Diego. He faces five years in prison if convicted.
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