Two Air Marshals Accused of Planning to Smuggle Cocaine Through Airlines
- Share via
HOUSTON — Two U.S. air marshals face federal drug charges accusing them of using their positions to smuggle narcotics through airport security and onto planes for transport, federal prosecutors said.
“We expect and demand that our law enforcement officials will themselves abide by the laws that they are sworn to uphold,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Don DeGabrielle.
Shawn Ray Nguyen, 38, and Burlie L. Sholar III, 32, were arrested Thursday after an informant delivered 33 pounds of cocaine and $15,000 to Nguyen’s Houston home, authorities said. They were ordered to remain in federal custody until a bond hearing this week.
Authorities said Nguyen recruited Sholar and the two planned to smuggle 33 pounds of cocaine aboard a plane bound for Las Vegas for $67,500.
Both men face 10 years to life in prison and a $4-million fine if convicted.
Kent Schaffer, Nguyen’s lawyer, questioned the motivation of the informant.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
