A former US Customs officer was convicted on Thursday of accepting bribes to allow drug-filled cars into the country from Mexico.
Authorities said Leonard George, who was working for a criminal organization, allowed at least 19 vehicles to cross into the US from June 2022 to March 2021.
According to court documents, the cars contained various illegal substances, such as hundreds of pounds of crystal methamphetamine.
Investigators were able to obtain text messages that indicated George agreed to allow the vehicles to enter the country for around $17,000 each.
He also received thousands of dollars after letting four cars through in June 2022.
Antonio Yoon, George’s lawyer, did not respond to requests for comment.
On Monday, a federal jury in San Diego found him guilty of various charges, including taking a bribe from a public official and allowing the entry of unauthorized vehicles.
According to Tara McGrath, the US Attorney for San Diego, sabotaging the integrity of the customs process for the purpose of drug trafficking is a crime that can be prosecuted.
Witnesses said George used the money he received to buy various items, such as jewelry and vehicles.
His sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 13.
The maximum sentence he could get for his crimes is up to life in prison.
