Officials say TSA worker aided drug dealer

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - An airport screener has been arrested, accused of helping passengers bypass security. An accused drug dealer is also charged.

43-year-old Minnetta Walker is accused of allowing a drug kingpin through security checkpoints at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport. FBI officials say it happened at least six times over the past year. The U.S. Attorney's office says the drug boss is 30-year-old Derek Frank, who lives here at a Millersport Highway address in Amherst.

>> See what other accusations have been lodged against Walker here

U.S. Attorney William Hochul said, "Mr. Frank would travel from Buffalo to Arizona, and once in Arizona, assist or directly ship packages of marijuana over the mail back to Buffalo where they were then sold on the streets of our community."

A confidential source working with authorities told them of several trips to Arizona. The criminal complaint says, "According to the (source), the Buffalo addresses are residences of Frank's family who know what is inside the packages and are paid $50 to $100 by Frank to receive a package."

>> Read the criminal complaints against Frank and Walker here

Federal agents found Franks through Minetta Walker. Her name came up during a wire tap of another suspect. Agents say not only did Walker allow Franks to bypass security, but "in one instance, being specifically aware that Mr. Frank was traveling under a false identity," said Hochul.

The criminal complaint shows that last August 28th, "he presented as identification a credit card-type birth certificate with Frank's photograph bearing the name "Maliki Anthony." Ironically, Minnetta Walker has special "behavioral" training as a TSA officer.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine Baumgartner said, "Part of her ability to identify other law enforcement officers is because she has that special skill set."

Both pleaded not guilty in court on Tuesday. Walker is back in court on Wednesday. She would face up to five years if convicted. Derek Franks would face a maximum of life in prison.