Sentencing For Airline Employee Who Made Skies Friendly...For A Violent Drug Gang
By Tony Hanson
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A former US Airways baggage claim handler was sentenced this week to 11 years in prison for his role in a violent drug gang including using his position with the airline to help smuggle drugs and money.
Federal prosecutor Karen Marston says 30-year-old James Mickens played a key role in the drug organization. He abused his security badge and position of trust with US Air.
"That gave him access to secured doors that allowed him to carry bookbags filled with hundreds of thousands of dollars of drug proceeds for his co-conspirators and he would smuggle those drug proceeds through the secured doors at the Philadelphia International Airport."
One shipment of drugs from California to Philadelphia was seized by federal authorities.
Marston says alleged drug organization members mistakenly suspected a co-conspirator was involved and he was shot during a meeting outside a school.
"The victim did survive. He was shot seven times right outside the elementary school."
The alleged shooter is awaiting federal trial.
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