DENVER -- Some airport screeners may have been hired without the proper background checks, and some of them may even be felons, according to federal officials.

Attorney General John Ashcroft is pointing a finger at Argenbright Security, the nation's largest airport security company.

7NEWS Investigator John Ferrugia has reported for two years about security problems at Denver International Airport.

Despite its ongoing problems with federal authorities, Argenbright Security is a major player at DIA. Many of its employees are responsible for checking you in curbside, and screening your bags through security checkpoints.

In the past, Ferrugia showed how Argenbright employees were poorly trained, especially when conducting personal searches of passengers.

The FAA's inspector general repeatedly reported on Argenbright's poor security performance at airports throughout the country. The government has now charged Argenbright with "potentially jeopardizing public safety."

In a statement Friday, the president of Argenbright Security responded by saying:

"In light of the recent positive audit of our company by the FAA, we are puzzled by both the timing and substance of today's actions by the U.S. attorney. However, we generally embrace the remedies that have been recommended to the court by the U.S. attorney."

United Airlines is responsible for security at DIA and employs Argenbright as a subcontractor. United's response: no comment.

When asked if United will continue it's relationship with Argenbright, the United spokesman responded: "We will not speculate. No comment."

United Airlines has reason to be concerned, Ferrugia said. Last year, the airline was fined $167,000 for 23 security violations just in the Northwest region.