A former U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer named Leonard Darnell George has been found guilty of accepting bribes from criminal organizations to allow drugs and illegal migrants to cross the southern border. The Department of Justice announced that George was convicted of receiving bribes by a public official, conspiracy to import controlled substances, and two counts of bringing in certain aliens for financial gain.
Prosecutors and law enforcement agents discovered that George, who was working for two separate criminal organizations, allowed vehicles containing meth and other illicit drugs, as well as vehicles with illegal migrants to cross through his lane into the U.S. It was revealed that George permitted approximately 19 crossings over a six-month period.
Witnesses testified during the trial that George would inform members of a drug trafficking organization about the lane he was working at the San Ysidro Port of Entry in San Diego. He would then give them an hour to reach him, allowing drug-filled vehicles to pass through. In one instance, law enforcement agents found 222 pounds of meth in a vehicle that entered George’s lane in February 2022.
Text messages presented in court showed that George accepted $17,000 per vehicle from criminal organizations to allow them to pass through his lane. He received $68,000 after enabling four vehicles from one organization to cross the border in June 2022. George used the money to purchase vehicles, motorcycles, jewelry, and frequently visited a club in Tijuana, spending thousands on dancers and gifts.
U.S. Attorney Tara K. McGrath stated that the verdict sends a clear message that trading integrity for cash and engaging in drug trafficking will lead to criminal conviction. George is set to be sentenced on Sept. 13 and could face life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years.
The case of Leonard Darnell George highlights the serious consequences of corruption within law enforcement agencies and the impact it can have on border security. It raises concerns about the need for stricter oversight and accountability measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The conviction serves as a warning to others who may be tempted to engage in corrupt activities for personal gain, emphasizing the importance of upholding the integrity of public service.
