CBP Officer Convicted of Taking Bribes to Allow Drug-Laden Vehicles Across U.S.-Mexico Border
Background
A former U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer, Leonard Darnell George, 42, was convicted of taking bribes to allow drug-laden vehicles across the U.S.-Mexico border. George was assigned to the primary inspection booth at the San Ysidro Port of Entry in late 2021.
The Bribes
According to prosecutors, George began taking cash to let vehicles carrying drugs and migrants through when he was on duty. He earned the nickname “The Goalie” from traffickers, indicating his role in allowing drugs to cross the border undetected.
Consequences of the Bribes
Prosecutors discovered 19 separate occasions over a six-month period where George allowed vehicles through his lane for money. On one occasion, he was paid $68,000 for letting four vehicles cross the border undetected. George used the bribe money to purchase cars, motorcycles, and jewelry, among other things.
The Investigation
Law enforcement officials and prosecutors found that George was so entrenched with the drug traffickers that one associate took a selfie photograph of himself wearing George’s CBP uniform jacket. George also purchased a 2020 Cadillac CT5 for one of the trafficking associates and personally delivered the vehicle to Ensenada.
Criminal Charges and Sentencing
George was charged last year along with several others with conspiring to bring drugs and undocumented migrants into the United States. A San Diego federal jury convicted George of four counts, including receiving bribes by a public official. Several co-defendants in the case pleaded guilty prior to George’s trial.
Sentencing
On Friday, U.S. District Judge Todd Robinson sentenced George to 280 months in prison. George’s defense attorney, Antonio Yoon, announced that George intends to file an appeal at the sentencing hearing.
Conclusion
The case highlights the serious breach of trust by a government official and the devastating consequences of drug trafficking. The conviction and sentencing of George send a strong message about the importance of upholding the law and protecting the public’s safety.
