Former TSA agent accused of twice tricking woman into showing her breast
Former agent now faces criminal charges
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - California's Attorney General says a former Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) agent will be prosecuted for tricking a female traveler into showing him her breasts.
Attorney General Xavier Becerra says 22-year-old Johnathon Lomeli improperly searched inside a woman's bra during a security screening last June at Los Angeles International Airport. Becerra says he's charging Lomeli with using fraud or deceit to falsely imprison the traveler.
According to court documents, Lomeli told the woman he needed to take her to a private room for additional screening. The affidavit says the former agent ordered the woman to "show me your full breasts" once they reached an elevator. The documents show Lomeli then looked down her pants, complimented her on her breasts, and let her go.
Police arrested Lomeli Thursday. California law defines false imprisonment as "the unlawful violation of the personal liberty of another." He's charged with false imprisonment.
The Attorney General says he won't tolerate this type of behavior.
" “Women deserve to be treated with dignity and respect everywhere,” said Becerra in a written statement.
“There is no excuse for this kind of alleged behavior. It’s not okay on the street, it’s not okay in our schools, and it’s certainly not welcome at the airport.”
The FBI says Lomeli was fired from his airport job months ago. The TSA employees' union isn't commenting on his case.
