A jury convicted a former U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent on June 10 of accepting bribes to let drug traffickers smuggle narcotics into the United States, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Leonard Darnell George was found to have worked with two different criminal enterprises to allow unauthorized individuals into the country, according to a DOJ press release.
A Former U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer was convicted by a federal jury of accepting bribes to allow vehicles containing methamphetamine and other illicit drugs to pass through the border into the U.S. Read more here: https://t.co/qOTorc67tV pic.twitter.com/oesNuJdeeJ
— FBI San Diego (@FBISanDiego) June 14, 2024
Multiple witnesses told the court that the former officer began letting vehicles carrying drugs such as methamphetamine and other illicit substances across the border in 2021, the press release reads. As part of the operation, he would inform the drug trafficking organization when he was scheduled to work and which lane he was working on. The traffickers would have one hour to smuggle their contraband through the lane.
The authorities found that in February 2022, he allowed a vehicle carrying more than 200 pounds of narcotics right behind another vehicle he was forced to assist in seizing due to it having been flagged, according to the press release. He was paid about $13,000 for performing this service, according to text message exchanges discovered by law enforcement.
George participated in the operation over a six-month time period in which he concealed the identities of the individuals driving through his lane, the press release reveals. There were about 19 crossings carried out by the organizations with which he colluded over that time period, according to authorities.
According to texts, George would be paid approximately $17,000 for each vehicle, according to the press release. Two would net him $34,000, three $51,000 and four $65,000. In on example, a text message revealed he was paid $68,000 by one of the organizations for a four-vehicle group he let through in June 2022.
Witnesses told the court that George used his earnings to purchase cars, jewelry and other luxury items, the press release reads. He also traveled to Tijuana and frequented the Hong Kong Gentlemen’s Club where he was “showering” strippers with cash, spending around $5,000 during each visit. (RELATED: Border Patrol Agent Arrested Over Alleged Scheme To Smuggle Migrants Over Southern Border)
“CBP does not tolerate misconduct within its ranks,” Elizabeth Cervantes, Special Agent in Charge of CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility, said, the press release reveals.
“Today’s conviction shows HSI’s and our law enforcement partners dedication to dismantling criminal organizations and holding those criminals that enable their illicit activity accountable,” Chris Davis, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in San Diego, stated, according to the press release. “There is no place in law enforcement for those who dishonor their badge and oath to protect our communities and our country.”
