The screeners allegedly took cash to allow shipments of cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana through X-ray machines.

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TSA Screeners Arrested for Drug Trafficking at LAX

The screeners allegedly took cash to allow shipments of cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana through X-ray machines.

KTLA News

6:45 a.m. EDT, April 26, 2012

LOS ANGELES (KTLA) -- Two former and two current Transportation Security Administration screeners at Los Angeles International Airport have been arrested on federal narcotics trafficking and bribery charges.

The screeners are charged with allegedly taking cash payments to allow large shipments of cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana to pass through the X-ray machines at TSA security checkpoints.

In addition to the current and former TSA officials, one drug courier is currently in state custody, and another drug courier is expected to surrender tomorrow. Authorities are continuing to search for another alleged drug courier named in a 22-count grand jury indictment that was unsealed this morning.

The indictment outlines five specific incidents in which current and former TSA employees took payments of as much as $2,400 to allow suitcases filled with drugs to pass through X-ray machines while TSA screeners looked the other way.

"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," said United States Attorney Andre Birotte Jr.

"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."

The indictment names the following individuals:

Naral Richardson, 30, of Los Angeles, who was arrested Wednesday morning. Richardson, who was terminated by TSA in 2010, is accused of orchestrating five incidents in which TSA screeners agreed to waive narcotics through security checkpoints.

John Whitfield, 23, of Los Angeles, who was arrested Tuesday night. Whitfield, a TSA screener who allegedly worked with Richardson to allow nearly four kilograms of methamphetamine to pass through LAX security, is also accused of personally allowing more than 20 kilograms of cocaine to pass through LAX security.

Joy White, 27, of Compton, who was arrested Wednesday morning. White, who was terminated by TSA last year, allegedly was stationed at LAX screening checkpoints when she allowed drugs to pass through, including a shipment of more than 20 kilograms of cocaine.

Capeline McKinney, 25, of Los Angeles, who was arrested Wednesday morning. McKinney is a TSA screener who allegedly allowed more than 20 kilograms of cocaine to pass through her security checkpoint.

Duane Eleby, 28, of Downey, who is expected to surrender to authorities Thursday morning. Eleby allegedly attempted to bring almost five kilograms of cocaine through a security checkpoint, but his narcotics were seized by law enforcement when he went through the wrong security checkpoint.

Terry Cunningham, 28, of Los Angeles, an alleged drug courier, who is currently being sought by authorities.

Stephen Bayliss, 28, of Los Angeles, an alleged drug courier, who is currently is state custody.

All of the defendants who were arrested Tuesday night and Wednesday morning were expected to be arraigned on the indictment Wednesday afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.

If they are convicted of the charges in the indictment, the current and former TSA officials each face stiff mandatory minimum penalties, and each would face a potential sentence of life imprisonment.

"This case underscores the unique nature of 21st century drug smuggling," according to Briane M. Grey, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA in Los Angeles. "Here, the defendants traded on their positions at one the world's 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."

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

"TSA has assured the investigating agencies we will do everything we can to assist in their investigation," said Randy Parsons, TSA Federal Security Director at LAX. "While these arrests are a disappointment, TSA is committed to holding our employees to the highest standards."