Former TSA officer accused of allowing marijuana on board flights

A former Transportation Security Administration officer in Los Angeles is facing federal charges after officials said he allowed people to bring marijuana on flights headed to Charlotte, North Carolina.

Deondre Smith is charged with bribery of a public official and conspiracy to distribute marijuana.

Prosecutors said he accepted payments of at least $500.

Police said he helped co-conspirators smuggle drugs past TSA screenings at Los Angeles International Airport to board flights bound for Charlotte.

The indictment accuses Smith of allowing drug-filled bags to slip through security on nine specific incidents in 2009 and 2010.

If convicted, Smith faces up to 20 years in prison.