A former U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer, Leonard Darnell George, was sentenced to a significant 23-year term in prison for his illicit activities at the San Diego border. In a statement reported by the Department of Homeland Security, George, 42, accepted bribes allowing drug trafficking organizations to pass unauthorized migrants and vehicles packed with narcotics into the United States.

Investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with support from the FBI and other agencies, the case against George unfolded in federal court on Oct. 25. With a sentence that speaks to the severity of his actions, George's corrupt activities included notifying traffickers when and where he would be working, facilitating the passage of drugs through his inspection lane. According to trial witnesses, he waved through a vehicle with roughly 222 pounds of methamphetamine in February 2022. Special Agent in Charge Shawn Gibson of HSI San Diego explained, "Public corruption as in this case is the betrayal of trust." Despite being caught once, George persisted, allowing a second drug-laden vehicle to cross into U.S. territory, as detailed by the Department of Homeland Security.

Text messages and financial transactions revealed the depth of George's corruption, with prices reported as high as $68,000 for multiple vehicle crossings. George's actions had an impact beyond monetary benefit, as he unabashedly displayed his newfound wealth, purchasing luxury items and being seen in exorbitant displays at a club in Tijuana.

A singular photograph was submitted in court, picturing one of George’s trafficking associates wearing his CBP uniform jacket, symbolizing a profound breach of trust and duty. As a reflection of the case’s gravity, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bianca Calderon-Peñaloza and Brandon J. Kimura diligently prosecuted the trial.