Two agents for the Transportation Security Administration were reportedly arrested in July… and a new video appears to show the reason: grand theft in the third degree.
The two agents — identified as Jose Gonzalez and Labarrius Williams — were picking their hands inside the bags… and then shoving their hands in their pockets.
On one occasion, Williams takes an item out of the bag and puts it to the side. Then, Gonzalez puts it in his front pocket.
The two men were reportedly filmed at the Miami airport in June and July.
However, authorities waited until Monday, this month, to released the surveillance footage. After that, the two men attracted national attention.
An executive at NBC Universal shared the video Wednesday. “TSA Agents caught on surveillance video stealing hundreds of dollars in cash from passengers’ bags at Miami airport,” he said.
South Florida’s NBC affiliate reported that the two men have both pleaded not guilty.
A third agent, Elizabeth Fuster was also facing charges but saw her case dismissed, TMZ reported.
“Gonzalez was accepted into a state program where if he successfully completes it, his charges will get dropped,” NBC 6 South Florida reported. For the next six months, Gonzalez must pay $700 to the two victims involved and he must do 25 hours of community service and give up his airport security credentials. As for Williams, he was denied entry into the same program so he will head to trial.
Prosecutors reportedly decided against charging the two men for organizing a scheme to commit fraud. Florida defines grand theft as stealing $750 or more.
Take a look —
TSA Agents caught on surveillance video stealing hundreds of dollars in cash from passengers’ bags at Miami airport. pic.twitter.com/LhFW9yNRNV
— Mike Sington (@MikeSington) September 13, 2023
The Horn editorial team