Luggage locks not designed to stop these alleged thieves

LaGuardia, JFK screeners face federal charges in luggage thefts

A federal baggage screener at Kennedy Airport and three others from LaGuardia Airport were arrested and charged with stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash, jewelry, cameras and computers from luggage they were supposed to inspect, said Queens District Attorney Richard Brown.

The investigation of the Transportation Safety Administration workers began after a number of passengers, including celebrities Chevy Chase, Susan Lucci and Joan Rivers, reported items were missing from their bags, a law enforcement source said.

"The defendants are accused of betraying their oath to protect our nation's air transportation system and the trust of the thousands of dedicated TSA agents who faithfully carry out their responsibilities each day," Brown said in a statement.

The four were arrested on charges of stealing from luggage they were supposed to inspect as part of their responsibilities with the TSA, the DA said. The screeners' job is to remove contraband items from bags during the security checks. The JFK screener was arrested Aug. 6 while on duty at the airport, Brown reported, and the LaGuardia screeners were arrested Aug. 11.

The screeners had been under surveillance for at least six months after passengers on Continental and American airlines complained of missing items. Items found at the defendants’ homes after search warrants were executed included computers, cameras, cell phones and Palm Pilot-style devices as well as designer handbags and jewelry and a Vacheron Constantin watch valued at more than $25,000.

Authorities are working to return items to their rightful owners according to George Johansen, first deputy superintendent with the Port Authority Police Department. Passengers who traveled through Kennedy or LaGuardia airports from November 2002 to August 2004, and who think their belongings may have been taken were asked to call the PAPD at 718-244-4300. Owners will be asked for serial numbers or other identifying features to ensure the property is theirs.

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Abigail Corwin is a successful author and information publisher at http://www.luggage-n-travel-accessories.com. Your online resource for luggage and travel accessories, travel related information, timely articles and tips.