Former airman extradited to face drug charges

[unhappycamper]

Former airman extradited to face drug charges
By Sam LaGrone - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Feb 9, 2009 18:06:42 EST

A former airman accused of running drugs in uniform is in federal custody after a two-year manhunt.

Rommel I. Schroer, 33, was charged with conspiracy in 2006 for allegedly transporting 30 kilograms of cocaine with 10 other public officials from Tucson, Ariz., to Phoenix on Feb. 13, 2003. According to the charge sheet, the officials wore their uniforms, carried their official identification and transported the cocaine in official vehicles. The document states that Schroer received $7,500 in cash for his role.

The drug run was one target of Operation Lively Green, a massive federal investigation into service members who smuggled drugs in uniform to avoid detection by the authorities. The operation resulted in the conviction of 56 service members and civilians.

But Schroer slipped through the net.

He separated from the Air Force in 2004 when he was a senior airman, according to data from the Air Force Personnel Center, and moved to Alaska, according to a public records search.


Rest of article at: http://airforcetimes.com/news/2009/02/airforce_schroer_livelygreen_020909/%2e