More TSA Follies: Pay to pass the grass

[mikea]

The son of Los Angeles’ former fire chief, Millage Peaks, has been arrested for allegedly bribing a TSA agent to help him smuggle marijuana on board a flight.

...Peaks Jr. admitted he bribed a TSA agent, Dianna Perez, to let his suitcase go through security screening for an American Airlines flight. He and Perez also said that they had worked together before and that several thousands of dollars had exchanged hands.

Perez, 28, was also arrested. She was charged with accepting the alleged bribe.

Peaks Jr. has been charged with bribing a public official, according to the FBI.

The arrest came when the suitcase was searched after other baggage handlers smelled marijuana.

According to the FBI affidavit, “Peaks had arranged for Perez to help him move bags containing marijuana through airport security for a fee. He intended to pay Perez $500 for each bag that she helped bypass security.”

The FBI affidavit said Peaks claimed Perez had helped him “circumvent security nine previous times.”

http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2011/10/17/former-la-fire-chiefs-son-arrested-on-drugs-charges/

Sealed for reasons of national security. Just by reading that you'll be on the no-fly list.

"We wouldda got away with it, too, if it wasn't for those meddling drug-sniffing baggage handlers."

 

[denverpilot]

When you pay peanuts for security, bribes almost always can circumvent it.

Thus, the reason a majority of the questions asked by interviewers during screenings for security clearances are related to where the person applying for the clearance gets their money and what their fiscal risks are.

 

[Anthony]

My greatest fear comes not from passengers but from the low paid service people that have access to aircraft. The custodial, food service, baggage handlers, etc could easily be bribed to plane a bomb or weapons on a plane.

 

[bigblockz8]

Not surprising. I'm actually surprised that more aren't caught. For most TSA employees its just a job. If they want to be cops, they become FAM or Airport Police.