Friday, June 15, 2012

TSA moves to fire 7 workers at Philidelphia airport following bribery investigation

The Transportation Security Administration announced Friday that it is seeking to fire seven Philadelphia International Airport workers.

The administration said Friday that following an eight-month investigation, TSA management at the airport and the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General found the employees were involved in a bribery scheme.

Ten employees were removed from their duties in November amid allegations they gave money to a training instructor in exchange for passing annual proficiency exams.

Three resigned from their jobs and the TSA said it plans to fire the other seven.

"TSA holds all of its employees to the highest standards of conduct and accountability," Chris McLaughlin, Assistant Administrator for the Office of Security Operations, said in a press release. "Any employee who willfully violates TSA rules will be held accountable for their conduct and appropriately disciplined."

Former TSA training instructor Shannon Gilliam pleaded guilty in February in federal court to taking a $200 bribe from a Philadelphia security officer. He was sentenced to 300 hours of community service and six months of house arrest.

"The decision to remove these employees affirms our strong commitment to our vital security mission and the safety of the traveling public," McLaughlin said. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.