By Steve Neavling
A CBP officer was indicted Tuesday on numerous charges after prosecutors say he accepted bribes to allow vehicles carrying drugs to pass through the border into the U.S.
Leonard Darnell George is accused of permitting cars laden with fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin to cross the U.S. border in exchange for bribes.
The drugs were headed to Southern California and other areas of the U.S., the Justice Department alleges.
The most serious charge – receiving a bribe by a public official – carries a maximum of 15 years in prison.
“This significant arrest demonstrates great teamwork and coordination by HSI and its federal law enforcement partners to dismantle transnational criminal organizations and root out alleged corruption in our government,” Chad Plantz, special agent in charge for HSI San Diego, said in a news release. “HSI is committed to protecting our homeland and the people of this country.”
In addition to the bribery count, George also was charged with conspiracy to import controlled substances, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and possession of a fireman in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
“The Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate all allegations of corruption,” said Homeland Security Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari. “Today’s arrest reinforces our commitment to protecting the integrity of DHS personnel, programs, and operations.”
The case was investigated by the FBI, DHS OIG, HSI, CBP, and DEA.
“It is the responsibility of all government employees to operate with the utmost integrity and do their best to foster and maintain the public’s trust,” said FBI San Diego Field Office Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy. “Anyone who violates that trust will be held accountable for their actions.”
