A former TSA airport screener at Los Angeles is facing charges for allowing bags of marijuana to pass through security in exchange for cash payments.
The U.S. Attorney’s office in Los Angeles said Deondre Smith, 33, was charged with bribery of a public official and conspiracy to distribute marijuana.
The Transportation Security Administration officer allegedly received payments of at least $500 for letting the pot pass through security checkpoints at LAX and onboard flights to Charlotte.
Prosecutors said it was part of a wider drug trafficking operation in North Carolina in which 50 kilograms of marijuana passed through the airport.
“Knowing that the luggage contained marijuana, defendant Smith would temporarily take possession of the luggage from other co-conspirators and either personally escort the luggage through LAX baggage screening checkpoints, or deliver the luggage to make sure the baggage containing marijuana passed security,” the indictment said.
“I expect all federal employees to meet the highest standards of ethical behaviour. Any acceptance of bribes to influence official conduct will not be tolerated. It is particularly serious when the employee knowingly assisted the commission of a serious criminal offense,” said U.S. Attorney Eileen M. Decker.
If convicted Smith could serve up to five years in prison.
