NEW YORK: But for a broken screening device, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents might not have been able to stop an airline pilot they claim was smuggling nearly $200,000 in cash into the United States.
According to a federal criminal complaint, Anthony Warner, 55, of Dallas, Tex., arrived at New Liberty International Airport Sunday on a flight from Mumbai, India.
A West Allenhurst man was caught stashing a .45-caliber handgun inside his carry-on bag, authorities said.
Warner, a commercial pilot, possessed a Global Entry Card, a federally issued card that allows for quick clearance when entering the United States, it said.
According to the United States Attorney’s Office in Newark, card holders present their identification documents, place their fingers on a scanner and complete a customs verification. Then they’re issued a receipt and can head to the airport exit.
Warner, the complaint said, declared he was bringing into the country nothing of value except for the $180 cash he was carrying. It is a federal offense to fail to report carrying valuable goods into the country and violating the law can lead to criminal charges and civil forfeiture of the items, it said.
The problem for Warner, the complaint said, was the Global Entry kiosk computer system was not working Sunday at the airport.
Warner presented his customs declaration to a Customs and Border Patrol agent who checked Warner’s carry-on bag. In it, the agent found $195,736 in cash wrapped in a newspaper, the complaint said. He also was carrying 10 rings, four sets of earrings and other jewelry, it said.
Warner was charged with one count of bulk cash smuggling and one count of making false statements. He faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, the U.S. Attorney’s office said.
Warner was released on $100,000 bond after his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Steven C. Mannion.
