Another TSA Bribery Incident?
Apr 25, 2012, 1:18 pm
#1
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Another TSA Bribery Incident?
Heard a very brief mention of a bust today of several TSA agents for accepting bribes. Didn't see anything on any websites so googled. I was quite surprised at how many TSA bribery scandals there've been. Nothing about one today though. Anyone know about it?
Apr 25, 2012, 1:31 pm
#2
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I wonder if this is what you heard:
"
LOS ANGELES Two former and current Transportation Security Administration employees have been arrested and indicted on drug conspiracy charges for allegedly allowing large amounts of cocaine and other drugs to pass through security screening at Los Angeles International Airport last year..."
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/04/25...ficking-probe/
"
LOS ANGELES Two former and current Transportation Security Administration employees have been arrested and indicted on drug conspiracy charges for allegedly allowing large amounts of cocaine and other drugs to pass through security screening at Los Angeles International Airport last year..."
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/04/25...ficking-probe/
Apr 25, 2012, 2:28 pm
#4
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Briane Grey, acting special agent in charge of the DEA in Los Angeles, said the scheme was particularly reprehensible because it took place at LAX.
The defendants traded on their positions at one the worlds most crucial airport security checkpoints, used their special access for criminal ends, and compromised the safety and security of their fellow citizens for their own profit, he said in a statement.
The indicted screeners are Naral Richardson, 30, and Joy White, 27, who were both fired by TSA last year; and John Whitfield, 23, and Capeline McKinney, 25, both currently employed as screeners. All four have been taken into custody, and face up to life in prison if convicted.
The defendants traded on their positions at one the worlds most crucial airport security checkpoints, used their special access for criminal ends, and compromised the safety and security of their fellow citizens for their own profit, he said in a statement.
The indicted screeners are Naral Richardson, 30, and Joy White, 27, who were both fired by TSA last year; and John Whitfield, 23, and Capeline McKinney, 25, both currently employed as screeners. All four have been taken into custody, and face up to life in prison if convicted.
Wonder if the currently employed screeners were arrested on the job. That would have some deterrent value.
Apr 25, 2012, 2:58 pm
#5
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"The unacceptable behavior of these 64,900 individuals in no way reflects the dedication of our nearly 100 Transportation Security officers who work tirelessly to keep our skies safe," the agency said.
Apr 25, 2012, 3:23 pm
#6
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Good - we had hit a dry spell. Of note is that other clerks found the coke at the wrong checkpoint. Of course, we all know that the TSA doesn't look for drugs. When I can get to a desktop, I will look into the Blogdad Bob archives to find out if he dutifully reported on the "good catch" back in February.
If the ex-clerk was smart and had a good lawyer, they should play the illegal search card - nothing to lose at this point.
Good - we had hit a dry spell. Of note is that other clerks found the coke at the wrong checkpoint. Of course, we all know that the TSA doesn't look for drugs. When I can get to a desktop, I will look into the Blogdad Bob archives to find out if he dutifully reported on the "good catch" back in February.
If the ex-clerk was smart and had a good lawyer, they should play the illegal search card - nothing to lose at this point.
Apr 25, 2012, 4:03 pm
#7
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Los Angeles:4 TSOs indicted for accepting bribes for unfettered access to LAX
Some reporting from the Associated Press' Greg Risling:
Associated Press (posted on Boston dot com)
TSA screeners charged in LA drug trafficking probe
April 25, 2012
A short quote:
Associated Press (posted on Boston dot com)
TSA screeners charged in LA drug trafficking probe
April 25, 2012
A short quote:
A 22-count indictment unsealed Wednesday outlined five incidents where the employees took payments of up to $2,400 to provide drug couriers unfettered access at Los Angeles International Airport over a six-month period last year.
andAmong those arrested and charged are Naral Richardson, 30, of Los Angeles, who was fired by TSA in 2010 and accused of orchestrating the scheme; John Whitfield, 23, of Los Angeles, a current TSA screener; Joy White, 27, of Compton, who was terminated last year; and Capeline McKinney, 25, of Los Angeles, also a current screener.
Apr 25, 2012, 6:20 pm
#8
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CBS News has just posted a picture of the TSA screener being arrested at LAX in uniform by DEA and US Marshal. LINK TO PHOTO AND STORY
Apr 25, 2012, 6:35 pm
#9
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While we all laugh at this (justifiably), I see two downsides:
1. The American public will more & more think it's OK to run a dragnet at TSA checkpoints. The fourth amendment gets shredded even more than it is now.
2. The American public believes that illegal drugs are a threat to civil aviation. Certainly, the TSA and various LE organizations -- as well as the media -- believe this.
1. The American public will more & more think it's OK to run a dragnet at TSA checkpoints. The fourth amendment gets shredded even more than it is now.
2. The American public believes that illegal drugs are a threat to civil aviation. Certainly, the TSA and various LE organizations -- as well as the media -- believe this.
Apr 25, 2012, 8:21 pm
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Oooh! Oooh! I want to be first today!!
"This unfortunate incident in no way reflects on the professionalism and dedication of the 7 TSA employees who risk their lives on the front line in the War on Terror to keep the American people safe...."
"This unfortunate incident in no way reflects on the professionalism and dedication of the 7 TSA employees who risk their lives on the front line in the War on Terror to keep the American people safe...."
Apr 25, 2012, 8:53 pm
#12
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I bet that's it.
I have a difficult time believing that so few were involved. When you consider how many folks work (or perhaps, are present) in each checkpoint and they way the move around, I'd think many more would have to at least be aware of what's going on and if not directly participate, get out of the way to let the meateaters allow the drugs through.
Of course, this makes me question once again why we have a war on drugs.
I have a difficult time believing that so few were involved. When you consider how many folks work (or perhaps, are present) in each checkpoint and they way the move around, I'd think many more would have to at least be aware of what's going on and if not directly participate, get out of the way to let the meateaters allow the drugs through.
Of course, this makes me question once again why we have a war on drugs.
Apr 25, 2012, 9:15 pm
#14
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If any terrorist event ever happens on because of things slipping through screening, it will probably be a TSA guy being bribed, or just inept, that will be the cause.
Apr 25, 2012, 9:30 pm
#15
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Apparently it doesn't take all that much to bribe them either! I wonder how many frequent flyers would pony up $2400 for unscreened and unfettered access to the secure areas. Maybe a new revenue stream has been born!