Boston detective charged with lying to fly armed with weapon

BOSTON – A Boston police detective has been charged with lying to federal officials so he could fly armed on personal trips and allow a friend to avoid going through airport security.

Sgt. Det. Bruce Smith was charged Wednesday with making false statements to the Transportation Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security and unlawfully entering a secure airport area with the intent to evade security requirements.

Prosecutors allege Smith violated federal law when he flew with a weapon on about 28 trips from Logan International Airport even though he wasn’t on police business.

Police Commissioner William Evans called the allegations “troubling.”

Smith, a police officer since 1989, was placed on administrative leave.

He made a court appearance Wednesday and was released. His attorney didn’t immediately return a call for comment.