Recently, a woman took a Spirit Airlines flight out of New York to return to her residence in Florida. She had a small travel suitcase with her that she typically takes on the plane as a carry-on item, and it held her laptop computer, Apple electronics, and personal belongings. The woman was asked to check the bag before boarding, and she took the necessary steps to do so.
When the plane landed at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, the woman went to the luggage carousel with the other passengers. The woman waited approximately two hours without any sign of her suitcase. After talking to the Spirit Airlines employees, they told her they were mailing the bag to her residence.
It was reported that the next day, the woman received an electronic notification from one of the Apple watches she packed in her suitcase. She was able to figure out the location of the device, and she decided to go to the address. When she got there she reported that she could see her things inside the home, so she notified the authorities.
The police went to the residence and reported that her belongings were not there. They learned the tenant was an employee at the airport, and the security tapes were collected and reviewed. The authorities asserted that the man was the same individual seen rummaging through the bag in the recordings.
The man was taken into custody on suspicion of grand theft. The Broward County Sheriff’s Office is still investigating the case. If the suspect is convicted as charged, he could face up to $10,000 in fines and a prison sentence of 5 to 30 years.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a theft offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.