MCALLEN, Texas (AP) — A Mexican man has pleaded guilty to trying to bribe a U.S. border agent to help smuggle illegal immigrants into Texas.

Prosecutors in McAllen say 31-year-old Jose Luis Huerta-Aguilar of Rio Bravo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, pleaded guilty Monday to bribery of a public official.

A federal judge ordered Huerta-Aguilar to remain in custody pending sentencing early next year. He faces up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

A Customs and Border Protection agent on June 14 began communicating via radio with Huerta-Aguilar to allow illegal immigrants to cross the border with no inspection.

Prosecutors say the agent two days later met with Huerta-Aguilar at the Progreso Port of Entry and handed over cash for the illegal deal.

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