New Details Revealed in Willcox Border Patrol Agent Arrest

WILLCOX, Ariz. (SVL) — New details have emerged following the arrest of a U.S. Border Patrol agent stationed in Willcox, who now faces serious charges related to child sex trafficking and fraudulent activity. A grand jury has indicted Bart Conrad Yager, 39, after an extensive investigation by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR).

According to CBP officials, the investigation began in September 2023 when Special Agents with OPR received allegations that Yager fraudulently claimed travel reimbursements while working at a migrant processing facility in Tucson. Investigators say Yager was rotationally assigned three times between August and December 2023 but repeatedly misrepresented his location, claiming to be on assignment in Tucson while records show he was elsewhere, including at his home in Willcox.

The fraudulent conduct allegedly extended beyond his time at the Tucson facility, with officials claiming Yager also falsely reported being on duty while assigned to checkpoints, dispatch, transfers, and training. As the investigation progressed, disturbing evidence emerged of Yager allegedly paying a minor for sexual conduct. The grand jury indictment includes 17 felony counts involving child sex trafficking and pandering, covering incidents that occurred between July 2023 and March 2024.

According to the CBP investigation, Yager paid large sums of money to multiple commercial sex workers during that period, including a victim between the ages of 15 and 17. The incidents took place at his home and at hotels in Tucson. The minor, who had previously been a victim of sex trafficking, was reportedly paid over $12,000 for sexual encounters, with individual payments as high as $1,800. Records showed that the minor’s mother had also been arrested for child sex trafficking.

The minor told police during an interview that she and another female engaged in sex acts with a man believed to be Yager.

Financial records uncovered during the investigation revealed that Yager had spent thousands of dollars on commercial sex acts, with his payment transfer account flagged and eventually closed due to suspicious activity. Officials say the alleged solicitation occurred both on and off duty, including messages sent to the minor.

Federal agents also uncovered information pointing to a pattern of alleged misconduct spanning more than a decade. Investigators say reports indicate Yager engaged in inappropriate relationships with high school girls, promoted drug use, was a suspect in a sexual assault case, and faced multiple workplace sexual harassment allegations during his career.

Yager was arrested the morning of Tuesday, June 17, while federal agents executed a search warrant at his home on Arizona Avenue in Willcox. As the investigation continues, additional charges may be filed.

Video captures agents raiding the suspect's home in June

Yager awaits his next court date in August. A trial date has yet to be set.

“CBP stresses honor and integrity in every aspect of our mission, and the overwhelming majority of CBP employees and officers perform their duties with honor and distinction, working tirelessly every day to keep our country safe,” a spokesperson said. “An arrest is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.” -CBP