QUICK SUMMARY
A U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent, Jason Michael Drown, was arrested in Gilbert, Arizona, on 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. The arrest stems from a joint investigation with Homeland Security Investigations, with the incident reportedly occurring in November 2024. The case is currently under review by multiple agencies, including the Gilbert Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General.
Jason Michael Drown, a 40-year-old agent from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, was arrested in Gilbert, Arizona, on April 8, 2025, after being charged with ten counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. The arrest was the result of a collaborative investigation with Homeland Security Investigations, underscoring the seriousness of the allegations. Court documents reveal that the incidents in question occurred on November 2, 2024, raising significant public concern. John Mennell, a public affairs specialist for CBP, confirmed that the Gilbert Police Department is leading the investigation, with support from the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General. CBP has reiterated its commitment to honor and integrity, emphasizing that Drown is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. The agency's Office of Professional Responsibility is also reviewing the incident, reflecting its commitment to accountability. A preliminary hearing for Drown is set for April 17, 2025, as the community grapples with the implications of such serious accusations against a federal agent. Concurrently, residents are expressing concerns about Gilbert's efforts to block public records and penalize those seeking them.