Texas flight attendant pleads guilty to smuggling fentanyl into California

A Dallas, Texas flight attendant has pleaded guilty to drug trafficking after she was caught smuggling fentanyl glued to her abdomen at San Diego International Airport.

Terese L. White, 41, pleaded guilty in federal court, admitting that she used her privileges as a flight attendant to get past the Transportation Security Administration to smuggle fentanyl.

The Justice Department said White admitted that on October 4, 2022, she was off duty and flew from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport to San Diego International Airport.

She left the secure area of ​​the airport after arriving, and when she returned to catch a scheduled flight to Boston, Massachusetts, White attempted to bypass regular TSA screening by using the member queue. known crew.

Although she was in the queue, she was selected for regular screening, which is when TSA agents discovered that she had hidden packages stuck to her abdomen.

The packages, the DOJ said, contained more than 3 pounds of fentanyl.

White is due to be sentenced on March 24, 2023 by U.S. District Judge Cathy Ann Bencivengo and faces up to 20 years in prison.

“Drug traffickers use the air, land and sea for personal gain, putting people’s lives at risk,” said DEA Special Agent Shelly Howe. “We will continue the great work with our partners to bring traffickers to justice and keep our community safe.”