BROWNSVILLE – Charged with human smuggling, a Brownsville police officer continues to be paid by the city.

She’s pleading not guilty to the crime.

Valerie Rivas is accused of participating in smuggling her long-time boyfriend into the U.S.

He and several others went around the Sarita checkpoint by going through South Padre Island, Port Mansfield and up the North Padre Island shoreline.

Watch the news clip above for more information.