FBI raids San Bernardino air terminal, mum on investigation
SAN BERNARDINO – No arrests or charges have been made after dozens of FBI agents raided a terminal at San Bernardino International Airport on Wednesday, an investigation that may involve a terminal officer convicted of a felony.
The Million Air Terminal, which has been converted to commercial use after serving as a military air base for several years, was raided by nearly 100 agents, according to various news accounts. Other agencies were involved as well.
“We’re seeking allegations of criminal activity,” said FBI spokesman Laura Eimiller, “but again, this is a continuing investigation. At this time, we’re not at liberty to provide details.”
The FBI also reported serving a search warrant in nearby Riverside at the home of Million Air Terminal manager Scot Spencer, a convicted felon who served prison time for bankruptcy fraud.
In July, a county grand jury investigation surrounding the airport was critical of Spencer’s activities. In its findings, the Department of Transportation issued an order that Spencer should be “banned from the aviation industry.”
The FBI, however, would make no comment about Spencer, evading questions seeking the focus of the investigation. Eimiller referred to “sealed affidavits in support of the search warrants,” adding that the FBI is prohibited completely commenting on any details surrounding the raid.
The raid shut forced a shutdown in other businesses unrelated to the airport management’s offices, but were close enough in proximity that agents kept workers from reaching their appointed tasks, according to news reports.
Other warrants were served at three hangers, including one that serves as the corporate address for Spencer’s companies.
The others included the administrative office for the San Bernardino International Airport Authority and the Inland Valley Development Agency (IVDA), the two agencies that have long supervised the redevelopment of what was once known as Norton Air Force Base.
Norton AFB closed in March 1995. Since then, the area has long sought to turn the huge facility into various business interests, including a viable commercial airport. To date, no major airline has agreed to do business with San Bernardino’s terminal.
The administrative offices are located on South Leland Norton Way.
Million Air Terminal was described by a worker as an aircraft refueling facility, part of a national chain.
Read more:
ABC – News 7 KABC-TV: FBI raids terminal at San Bernardino International Airport
The Press-Enterprise: FBI raids S.B. airport offices
The Sun: FBI raids San Bernardino airport
