Jun 13 2007
In the furore following the exploits of the globe trotting TB traveller, the customs officer who allowed Andrew Speaker back into the United States has taken early retirement.
According to the Homeland Security Department, the veteran inspector is under investigation regarding the case; in a congressional hearing over the case the inspector was apparently pilloried.
Meanwhile tuberculosis patient Andrew Speaker remains in isolation at the National Jewish Medical and Research Center in Denver.
It appears the inspector ignored a warning computer alert to stop Mr. Speaker from entering the United States, don a protective mask, alert health officials and allowed the couple to pass through.
Russ Knocke, a spokesman for the Department of Homeland Security, said the officer no longer works at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency.
The 31-year-old Atlanta lawyer had sparked an international scare by zig-zagging across Europe last month trying to avoid health officials.
They were attempting to isolate him because he was infected with an exceptionally dangerous form of TB that is highly resistant to drugs.
Speaker was on his honeymoon in Italy last month when Federal health officials eventually contacted him by phone; they warned him not to fly commercial aircraft, and urged him to turn himself in to local health officials.
But rather than do that Speaker and his bride flew to Montreal, rented a car and drove across the U.S. border.
The customs officer is apparently a Vietnam veteran who is eligible for retirement benefits.