In a web of corruption woven along the border, one former agent's betrayal exposed: Leonard Darnell George, convicted for trafficking more than just narcotics.
A former U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent was recently convicted by a jury on June 10 for accepting bribes to aid drug traffickers in smuggling narcotics into the United States, as per the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Leonard Darnell George was discovered to have collaborated with two separate criminal networks, facilitating the unauthorized entry of individuals into the country, as detailed in a DOJ press release.
Testimonies from multiple witnesses outlined how George initiated the illegal passage of vehicles carrying drugs like methamphetamine and other prohibited substances across the border since 2021. He would coordinate with the drug trafficking groups, divulging his work schedule and assigned lane to allow them a one-hour window to sneak their contraband through.
In February 2022, George permitted a vehicle loaded with over 200 pounds of narcotics to pass right after assisting in seizing another flagged vehicle, earning approximately $13,000 for this favor, as evidenced by intercepted text messages.
This illicit collaboration extended over six months, during which George shielded the identities of those traversing through his lane, resulting in about 19 successful crossings, according to authorities.
Text messages also revealed a payment structure wherein George received roughly $17,000 for each vehicle, with escalating bonuses for multiple vehicles. For instance, a four-vehicle convoy in June 2022 earned him a staggering $68,000 from one of the organizations involved.
Witnesses attested that George squandered his ill-gotten gains on luxury cars, jewelry, and extravagant outings, including visits to Tijuana and lavish spending at the Hong Kong Gentlemen’s Club, where he would generously tip dancers with around $5,000 per visit.
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