Former TSA officer admits role in painkiller trafficking ring, faces up to 20 years in prison

The Associated Press

NEW HAVEN, Conn. - A former Transportation Security Administration officer has admitted his role in a painkiller trafficking ring, becoming the fourth law enforcement officer to plead guilty in the case.

The U.S. attorney's office says 30-year-old Jonathan Best of Port St. Lucie, Fla., pleaded guilty Tuesday in New Haven to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute oxycodone. Authorities say Best accepted cash in exchange for facilitating the transportation of illegal narcotics through airport security without detection.

Prosecutors say Best also agreed last year to travel to Connecticut to help the narcotics trafficker launder drug proceeds.

Best faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced July 12.

Another former TSA officer, a former New York police officer and a former Florida state trooper have already pleaded guilty.