Crooked TSA Screeners Arrested in Drug Trafficking Scheme

[pwaldo]

http://news.yahoo.com/feds-crooked-t...opstories.html

Multiple airport screeners have been arrested for allegedly taking handsome bribes to look the other way while loads of illegal drugs slipped through security at Los Angeles International Airport, federal officials announced today.

Two current and two former officials at the Transportation Security Administration were arrested in the last 48 hours in connection with at least five incidents from February 2011 to July 2011 in which on duty screeners took payments of up to $2,400 to allow suitcases filled with drugs to pass unimpeded through X-ray machines at LAX, U.S. Attorney Andre Birotte Jr.'s office said in a statement.

According to Birotte's office, the scheme was uncovered after a member of the alleged conspiracy accidentally went through the wrong security line and was busted by TSA screeners who were not in on the plot. In another case, a TSA screener unknowingly arranged with a confidential source for the Drug Enforcement Administration to receive $1,200 for a shipment of methamphetamine to pass through security.

The current TSA employees, 23-year-old John Whitfield and 25-year-old Capeline McKinney, and the former screeners, 30-year-old Naral Richardson and 27-year-old Joy White, are all expected to be arraigned in Los Angeles today. If convicted, each could potentially face life in prison, Birotte's office said. The plot also allegedly involved a couple of known drug runners.

"Airport screeners act as a vital checkpoint for homeland security, and air travelers should believe in the fundamental integrity of security systems at our nation's airports," Birotte said. "The allegations in this case describe a significant breakdown of the screening system through the conduct of individuals who placed greed above the nation's security needs."

[shrewsbury]

for that small amount of money???? you would risk your job, family, and freedom for less than a few thousand dollars?

[AUTaxMan]

Since the war on terror is over, according to the white house, is it ok to disband the TSA?

[duane1969]

Since the war on terror is over, according to the white house, is it ok to disband the TSA?

Never happen. Once we give up a freedom we never, ever get it back.

[shrewsbury]

Never happen. Once we give up a freedom we never, ever get it back.

a harsh reality

and even worse can the economy afford more people unemployed?

[angel0430]

for that small amount of money???? you would risk your job, family, and freedom for less than a few thousand dollars?

I know right. I thought that they took way more money than that...lol...some people are really cheap I guess or really desperate for money

[pghin08]

for that small amount of money???? you would risk your job, family, and freedom for less than a few thousand dollars?

That was my first thought too.

[Star_Cards]

my first thought also was such a huge risk for a little amount. Not only risking your job but also if caught you are surely getting punished harshly. considering what the drugs were worth on the street it seems like an awfully low amount of cash to allow them to pass through.

not really surprising though.

[MadMan1978]

I run into the same debate in MOST houses we provide service to. Why would anyone "steal" the copper and/or metal for maybe a couple hundred dollars? If caught they will face charges maybe on 2 separate levels (State and Federal) but still it is happening at an alarming rate. nearly 85% of the houses in foreclosure have had some crime committed to the property. There is NO logic in any of this.

[shrewsbury]

nearly 85% of the houses in foreclosure have had some crime committed to the property. There is NO logic in any of this.

we had looked at a house a month ago, went back for a second look last week. now all the plumbing is gone, basement is flooded with 3-4 feet of water, and other items, including kitchen cabinets are also gone.

went from a bargain price of 150k, to not worth a penny in my book.