LOS ANGELES AIRPORT POLICE CRIME TASK FORCE DETECTIVES RECOGNIZED FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AT U.S. ATTORNEY’S ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY

(Los Angeles, California – March 13, 2014) Los Angeles Airport Police Crime Task Force Detectives Michael Woodard and Greg Bonstrom will be recognized for distinguished service by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their participation in the high-profile arrest of former Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers involved in a federal drug-trafficking corruption ring.

The officers will be honored at the 13th Annual United States Attorney’s Office Awards Ceremony, scheduled at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 14, 2014, in the Ronald F. Deaton Auditorium of the Los Angeles Police Department, located at 100 West 1st Street in downtown Los Angeles.

As a result of a multi-jurisdictional investigation in 2012, 10 suspects were arrested on federal narcotics trafficking and bribery charges for allegedly taking cash payments to allow large shipments of cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana to pass through the X-ray machines at TSA security checkpoints. The indictment outlined five specific incidents during which TSA employees took payments of as much as $2,400 to allow drug-filled suitcases to pass through security while screeners looked away.

A broader investigation involved a complex, multi-agency undercover operation which led to the arrest and prosecution of 10 individuals in Los Angeles, Boston, New York, and Honolulu, and the seizure of over five kilograms of heroin, seven kilograms of cocaine, and two pounds of methamphetamine.

The Los Angeles Airport Police Division is the nation's premier aviation law enforcement agency with over 1,100 specially trained police officers, security officers, and civilian staff protecting Los Angeles International, LA/Ontario International, and Van Nuys airports.