Posted on: Wednesday, February 19, 2003

Airport security breach charged

By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer

A 31-year-old maintenance worker at Honolulu International Airport has been charged with using a false Social Security number to obtain an airport security badge.

The indictment was the result of a national, multi-agency investigation to promote heightened security at the nation's airports. As part of "Operation Tarmac," federal investigators reviewed the records of about 6,000 employees at the Honolulu airport who had access to secure areas.

The investigation of Alejandro Gonzalez "is the only one that came up to date warranting criminal prosecution," said Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Hino.

A federal grand indicted Gonzalez on Feb. 13. The secret indictment was unsealed yesterday when Gonzalez made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Barry Kurren.

He was charged with making a false statement and using a fraudulent Social Security number when applying for his security badge. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each charge.

He was being held in custody pending a detention hearing Friday before U.S. Magistrate Kevin Chang. His trial is set for April 22.

Hino said Gonzalez had access to the runway ramp and aircraft. Gonzalez has admitted entering the country illegally, Hino said.

U.S. Attorney Ed Kubo credited several federal agencies and the state Airports Division for their role in the investigation.