Caught on tape: Are your personal items safe? Airport security officers accused of theft!
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It’s one of those moments we all dread when travelling—standing in long lines, surrounded by strangers, waiting to collect our baggage and move on.
However, what should be a simple, stress-free process isn't always so clear-cut.
For the passengers of Miami International Airport, this was their bitter truth when it was discovered that two security personnel had been allegedly stealing their items right under their noses.
A newly released surveillance video showed two security officers at the airport’s Checkpoint E, Josue Gonzalez, 20, and Labarrius Williams, 33, rummaging through passengers' bags while they waited to go through security scanners.
According to the surveillance footage, the officers were seen pocketing items from wallets, purses, and bags, with one even ‘sneakily’ going through a Louis Vuitton bag before walking off with its contents in their pockets.
The footage was enough to have the pair arrested in July, along with 22-year-old colleague Elizabeth Fuster, when their criminal activity was first uncovered.
A news source reported that the haul came to at least $1,300 in cash, with one passenger losing an alarming $930 alone from their wallet.
In particular, Fuster and Gonzalez confessed to stealing about $1,000 USD ($1,500 AUD) daily while their scheme was in effect.
The thefts happened while the owners of the bags were distracted by their own screenings.
Although Ms Fuster was initially also charged with the crime, her charges were dropped in August, leaving Mr Gonzalez and Mr Williams facing a third-degree felony grand theft charge.
Mr Gonzalez then entered a deferred prosecution program, which, upon completion, could see his charges dropped.
He would also pay the identified victims $1,090, complete 25 hours of community service, and give up his airport credentials.
On the other hand, Mr William will be tried in court in October.
You can watch GBNews’ report on the incident here:
This incident is certainly an alarming one. Whether you are flying locally or abroad, be more vigilant about your belongings where security is involved.
If you witness any suspicious behaviour, you should report it to the appropriate authorities immediately.
For your safety, it is suggested that travellers minimise items in their checked baggage and carry as few valuables as possible while flying.
We also recommend that travellers choose their checked baggage locks carefully, and that all expensive items, such as tablets, cameras, and jewellery, are securely stored out of sight.
It’s also a good idea to ensure that your name and contact details are clearly visible on each of your pieces of luggage, inside and out, along with an identification mark.
What do you think of this story, members? Do you have other safety tips for travellers? Share them in the comments below!
However, what should be a simple, stress-free process isn't always so clear-cut.
For the passengers of Miami International Airport, this was their bitter truth when it was discovered that two security personnel had been allegedly stealing their items right under their noses.
A newly released surveillance video showed two security officers at the airport’s Checkpoint E, Josue Gonzalez, 20, and Labarrius Williams, 33, rummaging through passengers' bags while they waited to go through security scanners.
According to the surveillance footage, the officers were seen pocketing items from wallets, purses, and bags, with one even ‘sneakily’ going through a Louis Vuitton bag before walking off with its contents in their pockets.
Airport security officers were accused of stealing from passengers' personal belongings. Credit: John Bamforth/Facebook
The footage was enough to have the pair arrested in July, along with 22-year-old colleague Elizabeth Fuster, when their criminal activity was first uncovered.
A news source reported that the haul came to at least $1,300 in cash, with one passenger losing an alarming $930 alone from their wallet.
In particular, Fuster and Gonzalez confessed to stealing about $1,000 USD ($1,500 AUD) daily while their scheme was in effect.
The thefts happened while the owners of the bags were distracted by their own screenings.
Although Ms Fuster was initially also charged with the crime, her charges were dropped in August, leaving Mr Gonzalez and Mr Williams facing a third-degree felony grand theft charge.
Mr Gonzalez then entered a deferred prosecution program, which, upon completion, could see his charges dropped.
He would also pay the identified victims $1,090, complete 25 hours of community service, and give up his airport credentials.
On the other hand, Mr William will be tried in court in October.
You can watch GBNews’ report on the incident here:
This incident is certainly an alarming one. Whether you are flying locally or abroad, be more vigilant about your belongings where security is involved.
If you witness any suspicious behaviour, you should report it to the appropriate authorities immediately.
For your safety, it is suggested that travellers minimise items in their checked baggage and carry as few valuables as possible while flying.
We also recommend that travellers choose their checked baggage locks carefully, and that all expensive items, such as tablets, cameras, and jewellery, are securely stored out of sight.
It’s also a good idea to ensure that your name and contact details are clearly visible on each of your pieces of luggage, inside and out, along with an identification mark.
What do you think of this story, members? Do you have other safety tips for travellers? Share them in the comments below!
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