CBP officer sentenced to 23 years in jail for BRIBERY and facilitating TRAFFICKING

11/04/2024 / By Ramon Tomey

A former Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer has been sentenced to 23 years behind bars for bribery and facilitating the trafficking of both illegal drugs and migrants.

On Oct. 25, a federal court in San Diego slapped 42-year-old Leonard Darnell George with a 23-year prison term. According to a statement by federal prosecutors, George used his official position as a CBP agent to allow illegal drugs and migrants into the country. He had been earlier convicted by a federal jury in June, according to The Epoch Times.

The now-convicted officer accepted bribes from two drug trafficking organizations in exchange for allowing vehicles filled with illegal drugs to enter from Mexico. The said vehicles he allowed to pass contained methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine and heroin. Numerous witnesses testified that George permitted these contraband-filled vehicles to enter the U.S. through his lane in late 2021.

“George would alert his associates in a drug trafficking organization of his inspection lane, as well as how long they would have to wait to get to the front,” The Epoch Times wrote. However this scheme was uncovered in February 2022.

Law enforcement agents placed an alert on a vehicle entering George’s lane allegedly used for drug smuggling. The CBP agent had no choice but to send it into secondary inspection, given that it had been flagged. A search then revealed approximately 222 pounds of meth, with the contraband subsequently seized.

George then allowed a second vehicle linked with the traffickers to enter the United States. The said vehicle, which was traveling right behind the flagged vehicle, was found to have been carrying 200 pounds of illegal drugs.

Moreover, he also allowed vehicles carrying illegal immigrants to enter through his lane over a six-month period – with prosecutors finding approximately 19 such crossings in that duration. George reportedly omitted passengers and failed to include the real names of drivers, using the names of others to conceal his crimes. (Related: Texas DPS spokesperson states the obvious: There are criminal networks operating in America that are involved in human smuggling.)

George received substantial bribes for his misdeeds

The now-sentenced CBP agent was paid handsomely to shirk his duties, charging traffickers $17,000 per vehicle. One text message found that George earned $68,000 in June 2022 for allowing four vehicles from one organization to enter his lane.

Witnesses also testified that George bought vehicles, motorcycles and jewelry using the money he earned from his illegal activities. He also visited the Hong Kong Gentleman’s Club on his days off, spending $5,000 per trip. The brothel was located within walking distance of the San Ysidro border crossing.

Prosecutors said George would stand on the club’s second level and “shower” dancers with cash. He also purchased bottles of alcohol and gifts for the dancers.

In the course of the investigation, prosecutors discovered a selfie of one member of the drug trafficking organization George was linked to. The member had been wearing George’s CBP jacket in the picture, which attested to the close relationship he had with the criminals.

“What’s important to remember about the story of George is that his corruption was discovered and defeated,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “Our commitment to the integrity of the badge brought justice to a corrupt officer in this case who will spend decades behind bars.”

“George should have used his position of authority and trust to protect the United States. However, he used it for his own financial gain,” said Stacey Moy, special agent in charge at the Federal Bureau of Investigation‘s San Diego field office. “The entire law enforcement profession is tarnished when an officer betrays the oath to protect and serve.”

Joseph Cuffari, Department of Homeland Security inspector general, said George’s sentencing “sends a clear message that federal employees who violate the law will be held accountable.” He added that his office “is grateful for our continued partnership with our law enforcement partners as we fight corruption along the southern border.”

Watch this Fox News report about how the open borders policy has made trafficking of migrant children more profitable.

This video is from the Bulgarianinsider channel on Brighteon.com.