TSA worker arrested on suspicion of harboring "Black Mafia" fugitive

By Katie Leslie

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A security officer at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has reportedly been arrested on charges of harboring a fugitive member of the "Black Mafia Family."

Terrance Bernard Johnson, 33, was arrested Friday by U.S. Marshals, according to Senior Inspector James Ergas with the U.S. Marshals.

Authorities say Johnson helped hide accused Vernon "Wu" Coleman, a suspected drug trafficker and member of the notorious Black Mafia Family. Johnson is accused of renting out an apartment in his name for Coleman's use, Ergas said.

Coleman, who has been featured on America's Most Wanted, was arrested July 16 at Johnson's apartment. Johnson, however, did not live at that location.

Johnson was hired by the Transportation Security Administration in October 2002, according to TSA spokesman Jon Allen.

U.S. Marshal authorities believe Johnson was Coleman's bodyguard beginning in 2004. At this time, officials do not believe Johnson was involved in BMF-related activity; however, he will face charges of aiding and abetting a fugitive, which carries a maximum penalty of up to five years, Ergas said.

The BMF was a large-scale drug trafficking operation founded in Detroit in the mid-1980s by brothers Demetrius and Terry Flenory, according to federal authorities. The gang grew into a multi-million-dollar operation with a major hub in Atlanta. The gang became synonymous with flamboyance, erecting billboards proclaiming dominance and throwing elaborate parties featuring exotic animals. BMF also ran an entertainment company.

Coleman is believed to have been the last free member of BMF, according to America's Most Wanted.