The Florida State Attorney’s Office has made public a surveillance video revealing the involvement of two TSA screeners at Miami International Airport in stealing from passengers’ bags. This footage, released as part of the case’s discovery process, depicts TSA agents unlawfully taking items and money from unsuspecting travelers.
According to the police report, the incident occurred on June 29, when two TSA agents, identified as 33-year-old Labarrius Williams and 20-year-old Josue Gonzalez, were caught on camera removing items and a substantial sum of $600 from a passenger’s wallet. The theft took place while the passenger was undergoing security screening at Miami International Airport’s Checkpoint E.
Authorities acted swiftly, arresting Williams and Gonzalez in July on charges of grand theft. A third TSA agent was initially charged but had the charges dropped subsequently. This crackdown followed a series of thefts at the same checkpoint, prompting airport authorities to enlist the help of a police detective in unraveling the mystery.
In the incriminating surveillance footage, one TSA agent can be seen discreetly pocketing items from a luggage tray. In another video, the same agent is observed taking what appears to be a wallet from a zipped bag and later retrieving it as it passes through the security screening. The arrest affidavits indicate that $600 was allegedly stolen from one passenger’s wallet, among other reported thefts.
Records from the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts reveal that both Williams and Gonzalez have been charged with grand theft in the third degree. Gonzalez has opted for a deferred prosecution program, contingent on meeting specific requirements, while Williams is set to face trial on October 23.
The TSA has responded swiftly to these allegations, removing the implicated officers from screening duties pending the completion of the investigation and administrative actions. A TSA spokesperson issued a statement, saying, “We actively and aggressively investigated these allegations of misconduct and presented our findings to the Miami-Dade Police Department, and are working closely with them. Any employee who fails to meet our fundamental ethical standards is held accountable.”
This incident has raised concerns about passenger security and the integrity of TSA personnel, prompting authorities to take decisive action in maintaining the trust of travelers. Further developments are expected as the investigation unfolds.
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