TSA agent charged with stealing $5,000 from passenger going through security at NY airport

[Snake Alchemist]

NEW YORK — Authorities say a Transportation Security Administration agent has stolen $5,000 from a passenger as he was going through security at a New York City airport.

Police and the TSA say Alexandra Schmid took the cash from a passenger’s jacket as it went along an X-ray conveyor belt at around 8 p.m. Wednesday at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Police spokesman Al Della Fave (fahv) says surveillance video showed Schmid wrapping the money in a plastic glove and taking it to a bathroom.

He says the money hasn’t been recovered. Police are investigating whether Schmid gave it to another person in the bathroom.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/tsa-agent-charged-with-stealing-5000-from-passenger-going-through-security-at-ny-airport/2012/02/02/gIQAd19ZkQ_story.html

Please someone end this sad joke.

[midnight]

1. TSA agent from Wakenhut....

[T S Justly]

2. A nazi and a thief?

Say it isn't so!

[JustAnotherGen]

3. I believe it

I travel frequently for work and pleasure - domestically and internationally. The last of my bins contain my wallet, money, cell phone, jewelry . . . for good reason. I never set off the alarm - and if they pull me aside I very loudly state "Can you watch my last bin with my wallet and jewelry!"

Whatever is your valuable item - these folks plan on you being nervous. . . Awareness of your surroundings and the potential for criminal activity puts THEM on alert.

I've been doing this since 2002 when these reports started showing up on the travel forums. At one point - Virtual Tourist had all kinds of notes on what airports travelers seem to get robbed the most at - by airport employees.

[Missy Vixen]

4. I wish I could recommend a post

The Seattle Times reported shortly after the "liquids over 3 oz" ban went into effect that TSA agents were helping themselves to full bottles of perfume, etcetera, in the discards bin with no penalty.

Those who don't watch their stuff while going through the security line will get it stolen.

[Snake Alchemist]

5. Great tips. nt

[mrs_p]

6. I suspect TSA stole a ring given to my husband by his deceased father

They then told him he never should have taken it off (though, they usually tell him he has to) and watched him look for it for over an hour, almost missing his flight. I wouldn't put anything past them.

[Snake Alchemist]

7. I always try to go through with my jewelry on. If it doesn't work

I walk over and put it into it's own round "dog bowl" and let it go through. That way I have witnesses and it's easily kept track of.