LAX TSA Worker Used His Job To Illegally Detain Woman: Prosecutor

LOS ANGELES, CA — A former Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agent is facing a charge of felony false imprisonment by fraud or deceit for allegedly using his position harass a woman going through Los Angeles International Airport, according to authorities.

According to California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, Johnathon Lomeli, 22, unlawfully detained the woman through fraud or deceit while working at the airport last June. The crime allegedly occurred outside of the primary security screening area, according to the Attorney General's Office.

"Women deserve to be treated with dignity and respect everywhere," Becerra said in the statement. "There is no excuse for this kind of alleged behavior. It's not okay on the street, it's not okay in our schools, and it's certainly not welcome at the airport. At the California Department of Justice, we'll continue to do everything in our power to hold those who break the law accountable."

Becerra said his office is "committed to taking on bad actors and supporting survivors of sexual violence."

Details on Lomeli's arrest and when he would be arraigned were not immediately available.

The criminal case was filed as part of a joint effort involving the California Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles Airport Police and the TSA, according to the Attorney General's Office.

City News Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.