AIR MARSHALS PLEAD GUILTY IN DRUG CASE

HOUSTON -- Two U.S. air marshals pleaded guilty Monday to accepting
money to smuggle cocaine on a flight to Las Vegas and agreed to
cooperate with prosecutors.

Burlie Sholar III, 38, and Shawn Ray Nguyen, 32, admitted they
accepted $15,000 to use their positions as air marshals to bypass
airport security and smuggle 15 pounds of cocaine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark McIntyre said the investigation is
continuing, but he cautioned against expecting more arrests.

A criminal complaint said Nguyen smuggled two envelopes containing
drug money and fraudulent government documents past airport security
in December. He then talked with an informant about smuggling large
loads of cocaine and bringing in others to help, the complaint said.