Abel's retirement has been put off until December 31, 2011. His retirement party will still be held as scheduled.

Southwest Region Special Agent-in-Charge (SAC) Abelino “Abel” Farias, Jr., will be retiring on November 30, 2011, after 32 years of Federal law enforcement service. Abel started his federal career in May 1979 as a CO-OP Student (Intern) in the Southwest Region, Temple, TX. He has also held the positions of Special Agent, Supervisory Special Agent, and Assistant Special Agent in Charge. In January 2001, he was promoted to the position of Special Agent-in Charge, Midwest Region, Chicago, IL. In November 2004, he transferred back to the Southwest Region as Special Agent-in Charge.

Abel has been a proponent of the Asset Forfeiture Program, and facilitated the use of Asset Forfeiture funds to support numerous investigations involving SNAP fraud, animal fighting violations, and export fraud, just to name a few. Abel has always demonstrated a great attitude and extraordinary work ethic, resulting in a wide variety of successful USDA program and agency criminal investigations. He has received numerous awards and commendations, including the Secretary’s Honor Award.

A native of south Texas, Abel graduated from Pan American University, Edinburg, TX, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. He is the third oldest son from a family of nine boys. He is married, and the couple has three children, a daughter and two sons. In retirement, Abel plans to travel with his wife and pursue his outdoor hobbies.

Abel's retirement party will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church Parrish Hall at 6:00 p.m., Saturday, December 17th. There will be a BBQ dinner and reservations are $15 per person. RSVP to Tammie Sundin at the Temple Regional Office, (254) 743-6544. If you would also like to send cards or mementos, or if you would like to donate to Abel’s retirement gift, please send these to Tammie by December 14, 2011.