"We cannot allow those entrusted with special access to our airports to violate that trust and put the public at risk," said Brian M. Moskowitz, special agent in charge of HSI Houston. "The defendants in this case created a security vulnerability that was neutralized by various airport stakeholders working together toward our shared goal of maintaining the integrity of our transportation system." 

Escober and Molina were employees of Express Jet and DAL Global Services, respectively. Court records indicate they conspired together to abuse their positions as airport employees. With their knowledge of the airport, they circumvented airport security and smuggled items in exchange for pre-negotiated sums of cash from an undercover HSI special agent who they each believed to be a narcotics trafficker. 

Escober was arrested after successfully smuggling heroin around security and returning it to the waiting undercover agents near the boarding gate. Escober will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Molina also pleaded guilty and is set for sentencing July 26 before U.S. District Judge Gray H. Miller. She was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.