The Boston Globe is reporting today that Della Patton, the Los Angeles Airport security guard who has accused Congressman Patrick Kennedy of pushing her during a March 26 incident, has had legal troubles of her own. According to official court documents, Patton has in the past "pleaded guilty to petty theft and cocaine possession charges." She also has a history of using fake names, according to the news report.

The information is important because it "could be used to undercut her credibility if she chooses to file a civil complaint against Kennedy," the Globe noted. Patton claims Kennedy injured her arm during an argument at the security checkpoint.