CONVICTED DRUG DEALER RESIGNS FROM AIRLINE JOB

A Southwest Airlines Baggage Handler Who Is A Convicted Drug Dealer
Resigned From The Company, An Airline Spokeswoman Said.

The Federal Aviation Administration on Aug. 2 ordered Ontario
International Airport to revoke the security clearance of Christopher
Cheeks, 40. Cheeks continued to have unrestricted access around the
airport despite his guilty plea in April on federal charges of
possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

Duane Dade, Cheeks' attorney, said he resigned after his security
badge was pulled and employees began taunting him and pointing him out
to others. He said he was treated unfairly by Southwest Airlines and
did nothing wrong on the job he had for 13 years. "A bad situation was
becoming worse," Dade said. "Since his plea, he had continued to work
and do the right thing. He made a mistake and took the responsibility.
Do we want people not to work and go out and commit more crimes."

Southwest Airlines suspended Cheeks with pay on Aug. 2 pending a
review that could ultimately have led to his firing.

Airline spokeswoman Linda Rutherford confirmed that Cheeks resigned,
but she declined to comment further.

Airline officials were aware of Cheeks' arrest in December but they
were not informed of his conviction, Rutherford said previously. The
airline can fire employees for their behavior outside of work, but it
often doesn't act until after a conviction, she said.

Airport officials said they recently learned about the conviction.
Cheeks' clearance wasn't immediately revoked because officials said
they thought his past conduct was immune under new FAA rules.

The FAA said the airport misinterpreted the rules.

Cheeks is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 24. He was accused of
selling almost 11 pounds of cocaine for $40,000 while off duty. A
courier from Chicago routed the drugs through Ontario International
Airport, authorities said.