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Former CBP Officer Convicted of Accepting Bribes
A federal jury has convicted a former U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer of accepting bribes to allow vehicles containing methamphetamine and other illicit drugs to pass through the border into the U.S.
Leonard Darnell George, 51, was convicted of accepting approximately $68,000 in bribes to allow four vehicles from one organization to enter the U.S. through his lane in June 2022. In total, George was found to have allowed 19 crossings associated with the criminal organizations during the six-month time period, with each vehicle containing an estimated $17,000 to $65,000 worth of illicit goods.
Prosecutors presented evidence that George, who worked for two separate criminal organizations, would notify members when he was at work and which lane he was on, giving them a one-hour window to reach his lane. On at least two occasions, George allowed vehicles to pass through his lane despite being flagged by law enforcement as suspicious.
George was also found to have purchased vehicles, motorcycles, and jewelry with the proceeds of his illicit activities, and would spend approximately $5,000 per trip to the Tijuana-based Hong Kong Gentlemen’s Club, where he would shower dancers with cash and buy them gifts.
“With this verdict, the jury sent a clear message to anyone considering trading in their badge for cash,” said U.S. Attorney Tara K. McGrath. “Abandoning the integrity of the uniform for the conspiracy of drug trafficking is a path to a criminal conviction.”
George is set to be sentenced on July 15, 2024. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
CBP does not tolerate misconduct within its ranks, said Special Agent in Charge Elizabeth Cervantes of CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility, San Diego Field Office.
The FBI and its law enforcement partners remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice, even if it means holding themselves accountable, said FBI San Diego Special Agent in Charge, Stacey Moy.
Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Public Corruption|Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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