April 22, 2025 #1 Local News, Information and Event Source for the Century City/Westwood areas.

Former TSA screener sentenced to prison for partaking in drug smuggling at LAX

A former Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screener who enabled 150 pounds of cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana to be smuggled through checkpoints at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in exchange for cash was sentenced Monday to 80 months in federal prison.

Naral Richardson, 32, of South Los Angeles was the catalyst for the scheme that involved three TSA screeners at LAX, said U.S. District Judge Margaret M. Morrow.

The judge said Richardson “showed no hesitancy” in setting the smuggling scheme into motion in 2011 by putting “screeners together with couriers.”

Richardson — the last of seven defendants in the case to be sentenced — admitted enabling five drug shipments to pass through security screening checkpoints at LAX.

During the “pass-throughs,” Richardson encouraged corrupt TSA screeners to look the other way as couriers carried suitcases containing multiple pounds of illegal drugs through the airport for distribution around the country.

As part of the scheme, Richardson arranged for the couriers and corrupt screeners to meet beforehand so they would recognize each other and the courier would get into the correct screening lane.

Defense attorney Michael Schaftler unsuccessfully arguing for a 60-month sentence, said his client was unsophisticated, “not very smart” and suffering from various emotional and intellectual “disabilities.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Doug Herzog countered that Richardson deserved 87 months behind bars for being the “most culpable” defendant in the case.

“For all his intellectual challenges, he still knew how to facilitate the scheme,” the prosecutor said. “His conduct demonstrates what he is capable of.”

The scheme did not require “high-level functioning,” Herzog added.

Richardson apologized to the court, saying he “didn’t really understand what was going on” in the smuggling operation.

“I need a second chance to be out there with my (4-year-old) son,” the defendant said as family members looked on.

Richardson worked as a screener until he was terminated by the TSA in February 2011, and while employed at LAX “routinely allowed high-volume drug traffickers to pass drugs through his security screening lane for as much as $1,000 per pass-through,” prosecutors wrote in sentencing papers.

Previously sentenced were:

— former TSA screeners John Brandon Whitfield, 25, of Los Angeles, and Joy Lenisha White, 29, of Compton, who both got 70-month terms, and Capeline Sheri McKinney, 27, of Los Angeles, who were sentenced to 50 months behind bars; and
— drug couriers Duane Lewis Eleby, 30, of Downey, who was sentenced to 90 months in prison; Terry Dean Cunningham, 30, of Los Angeles, who received an 18-month term; and Stephen Anthony Bayliss, 30, of Los Angeles, who got a 41- month sentence.

The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and IRS-Criminal Investigation unit, under the auspices of the Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area.

Related Posts

Pepper Spray and Panic: LA Homeowners Targeted in Nighttime Burglaries

April 22, 2025

April 22, 2025

LAPD Hunts Suspects After One Resident Attacked in Beverly Grove Two separate home invasions late Friday night in Beverly Grove...

“We’re Better Than This”: Tour Business Owner Pleads for Protection After Third Burglary

April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

Thieves hit Again, Stealing E-Bikes and Leaving a Wake of Damage in South La Cienega The frustrated owner of a...

Lawsuits Allege Insurance Giants Conspired to Undercut California Fire Victims

April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

Two Lawsuits Accuse Top Carriers of Price-Fixing and Violating Antitrust Laws Attorneys representing homeowners impacted by California’s January wildfires have...

Cali Camp Welcomes Los Angeles Campers

April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

By Susan Payne Roam streams, meadows and oak trees in the heart of rock-lined Topanga Canyon this summer at Cali...

Mayor Karen Bass’ Budget Plan Proposes 1,647 Layoffs Amid $300M Liability Surge

April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

Civilian LAPD Staff, Transportation, and Sanitation Departments Among Hardest Hit Mayor Karen Bass’ proposed city budget for the upcoming fiscal...

Santa Monica PD Makes Arrest in Ocean Front Walk Stabbing; Second Suspect Sought

April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

Late-Night Stabbing in Santa Monica Prompts Manhunt After a shocking incident of violence in Santa Monica, a man has been...

Unlock the Secrets of Impressionism and Ancient Thrace with Getty’s Free Talks

April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

The Getty’s Lineup of Free Online Art Talks Opens Doors for Global Audiences. The Getty Center will host a series...

Registration is Open for Harvard-Westlake Summer Programs

April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

By Susan Payne Summer programs at Harvard-Westlake are open for registration.  Participants can experience renowned programs in academics, visual arts,...

Los Angeles City Attorney Sues Over Illegal Rentals, Wildfire Price Gouging

April 20, 2025

April 20, 2025

City Attorney Seeks Permanent Ban and Millions in Penalties for Operators City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto has filed a civil...

Multi-Concept Asian Restaurant Coming to Prime Sunset Strip Corner

April 20, 2025

April 20, 2025

Round 1 Delicious Inks Lease for Asian Dining Concept in WeHo West Hollywood will be the location for a high-end...

Hollywood Legend Raquel Welch’s Former Home Changes Hands in Beverly Glen

April 20, 2025

April 20, 2025

The Late Actress’s Longtime Residence Sold for $3.1 Million More than two years after Raquel Welch’s passing, the late actress’s...

Heads-Up, Westside: Downtown Santa Monica Traffic to Increase with Pali High Move

April 20, 2025

April 20, 2025

Santa Monica Braces for School Traffic Surge Following Wildfire Displacement Drivers throughout Westside communities, from Brentwood to Pacific Palisades, should...

Rents Stay Stable, but Economic Shifts Threaten the Balance

April 20, 2025

April 20, 2025

Tariffs and Tight Supply Could End Flat Rent Streak After more than a year of minimal fluctuation, asking rents, or...

Veterans Collective Gets State Backing to Transform West LA Campus

April 20, 2025

April 20, 2025

State Funds Jumpstart Construction of 250 Homes and More Construction of new housing and a long-envisioned town center at the...

(Video) Malibu Discovery Party at Santa Monica Place

April 18, 2025

April 18, 2025

Desserts by Copenhagen Bakery. North Italia Restaurant. Rosenthal Winery. Bristol Farms. Beautiful Sea Creatures. Chrysalis. Desserts by Copenhagen Bakery. North...