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4th TIA Baggage Handler Questioned And Released
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
Tampa International Airport baggage handlers Efrain Malave-Bermudez, 34, left, Ernie Azucey, 23, and Juan Ayende-Nieves, 52, were charged with dealing in stolen property.
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Published: March 31, 2008
Updated: 03/31/2008 10:37 pm
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TAMPA - A fourth baggage handler initially suspected of being part of a ring that pilfered luggage at Tampa International Airport was questioned by airport police on Monday, but was released without being charged, authorities said.
Three fellow baggage handlers for Continental Airlines were arrested Friday and charged with multiple theft counts. The arrests capped a six-month investigation that began when Continental passengers complained that personal items had been stolen from their baggage. The investigation included high-tech software that allowed law enforcement officers to track in real time, the whereabouts of a laptop computer.
Tampa International Airport police Chief Paul Sireci this morning said authorities were looking for a fourth baggage handler. That man was questioned this afternoon, but ended up being releasing with no charges being filed, airport officials said tonight. The name of the 29-year-old man will not be published because he was not charged.
Airport police arrested three other baggage handlers on charges of dealing in stolen property pilfered from Continental luggage checked at Tampa International. The key to the investigation was a specially rigged computer used as bait for the suspected thieves.
Investigators have no way to gauge how many items were stolen, Sireci said.
Many recovered items have been returned to their owners. At a news conference today, several unclaimed laptop computers, digital cameras, iPods, sunglasses and headphones sat on a table near Sireci.
"If anyone has received property from these individuals, we would like to recover that property," Sireci said.
He said travelers should be comforted by Friday's arrests and know that when theft issues arise, investigators react quickly.
An investigation is ongoing, Sireci said, but it has been determined that this was not part of a massive crime ring and the case had no ringleader.
The men took the items for personal use or to sell, Sireci said.
"This isn't that sophisticated of an operation," he said. "It's like when we were kids and we leave the bicycle unchained."
Continental contacted law enforcement after customers said items were missing from their luggage. The suspects work for Delta Global Services, a company contracted to handle baggage for Continental, arrest reports state. Officials with Delta Global Services did not wish to comment tonight.
The suspects were traced through a rigged laptop computer supplied by Continental Airlines security and loaded into luggage March 12 on a Continental flight to Houston.
The computer never made it to Houston, reports state.
On Tuesday, someone turned on the computer and accessed a MySpace account to deal with vacation pictures. The software gave investigators images of what the user viewed while logged on.
The computer was turned on again Wednesday and Thursday. Police were able to trace the computer to a woman who said she got it from one of the baggage handlers.
Airport police are still working out how the handlers smuggled away the items.
Airport surveillance is secure information and will not be available to the public even as part of a records request, Sireci said.
Arrested on Friday were Efrain Malave-Bermudez Jr., 34, 6720 S. Lois Ave., on seven counts of dealing in stolen property; Juan Ayende-Nieves, 52, 2004 E. Lake Ave., on four counts of dealing in stolen property; and Ernie Azucey, 23, 8510 Hyaleah Road, on 33 counts of dealing in stolen property.
Azucey is being held in Orient Road Jail, with bail set at $247,500. Malave-Bermudez's bail is $52,500, jail records show.
Ayende-Nieves was released after posting $30,000 bail.
Azucey and Malave-Bermudez declined to comment today. A message left at Ayende-Nieves' home was not immediately returned.
Sari Koshetz, a spokeswoman with the Transportation Security Administration, said TSA works with airports to make sure employees receive criminal background checks and are not part of any terrorist watch list.
Continental spokeswoman Julie King said there are many security measures the airline takes in airports and in the air.
"To elaborate on what those security measures are wouldn't be beneficial to any of us," she said.
She declined to comment further about Friday's arrests or what, if any, security changes would occur.
Tom Van Horn, 34, of St. Petersburg said he's not sure whether his missing GPS device is tied to the ring but that it was stolen during a trip on Continental late last year.
His Continental flight flew from Tampa International to Houston and then on to Hawaii, where he went Nov. 6 to visit his grandmother. When he landed in Honolulu, he said, the lock on the luggage was ripped off and the GPS was gone.
Continental told him it was possible that the Transportation Security Administration was responsible, he said.
In the end, Van Horn said, the airline paid for a new suitcase and gave him $200 in travel vouchers but did not pay for the GPS device.
"I was just really mad at the whole experience," he said.
This wasn't the first time contractors working through Continental at TIA have been accused of stealing.
In August 1994, the FBI arrested three men — two of them workers at the airport — after the heist of $2 million in cash from the airport. The FBI said a bag containing the cash, being transferred between Federal Reserve banks in Jacksonville and New Orleans, was stolen from a regularly scheduled Continental flight.
Two of those arrested were employees of ITS, a company that contracted with Continental to provide ramp services including baggage handling.
TBO.com reporter-producer Daniela Velazquez and researcher Michael Messano contributed to this report. Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached at jpoltilove@tampatrib.com or (813) 259-7691.
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Reader Comments
Posted by ( marymcq ) on March 31, 2008 at 1:24 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Man, everywhere you go, someone is trying to steal your sh*t! What's next? I shudder to think about it.
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Posted by ( MrShrek ) on March 31, 2008 at 3:51 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Like this is a big surprise! Thefts such as this have been happening forever. I got ripped off a few times myself. All I ever got was a yawn and a form to fill out. Never recovered my stuff , or compensated. So they caught these guys , BFD...all they face is loss of employment , small fine and house arrest.
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Posted by ( DarthVandall ) on March 31, 2008 at 7:02 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
The Three Amigos gone bad.
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Posted by ( markjdye ) on March 31, 2008 at 7:08 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Are they even legal?
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Posted by ( Parker415 ) on March 31, 2008 at 7:26 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Here we go again...they have Hispanic last names therefore we must question their immigration status. Three of the ten most common last names in this country are Hispanic and millions of those that have those names (including me) are here legally (born in the U.S.A.). Get over it!
Regarding the article, no baggage handlers can be trusted since you can't lock your suitcases anymore... Do NOT put anything of value in checked baggage...take it on the plane with you, even if it is a pain in the neck to take it through security.
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Posted by ( kellieB ) on March 31, 2008 at 7:56 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by ( amom ) on March 31, 2008 at 8:08 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
The articles on this web site are amazing. If I were still living up in Hamburg NY, (not Buffalo I would never live in the city to much crime)It wold be nothing but Black people in the news I think it is funny that now the Black population can feel proud that they are not in the Lime light for a change. WE HAVE AN IMMIGRANT PROBLEM HELLO IT IS TIME TO CLEAN HOUSE> marymcq = you criticized me on another article. You are a piece of work.
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Posted by ( hmmm ) on March 31, 2008 at 8:09 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
kellieB - what a stupid comment!
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Posted by ( GF ) on March 31, 2008 at 8:26 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Parker, You get over it. Illegal immigration and the crimes committed by them, is a real issue here in the US. Just because it may not be PC to ask, many posters here on TBO.com (including myself) are not PC, and have the right to know.
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Posted by ( Reality ) on March 31, 2008 at 8:35 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
The Muslims have one thing right. They cut off the right hand of thieves when they catch them!
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Posted by ( fishe ) on March 31, 2008 at 8:39 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Sure, go out and buy the TSA approved locks to give you a piece of mind. Supposedly, only TSA has a key to open them...I've seen copies of this key on the internet and even a paperclip will pick it in under 5 seconds.
You'd think that due to the airport security requirements that they (common criminals in the articel) would be at a bare minimum, legal immigrants, which have gone through a local single scope background check. If they were illegal, than you'd see federal charges too. But then again, you can get Florida Drivers licenses straight from the DMV...just have to promise that lady caught months ago dinner.
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Posted by ( frankc_tng ) on March 31, 2008 at 9:07 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
All these comments really sadden me; its proof that racism is still apart of Americans. The majority of the comments left on this article are racial. I wonder what would be said if it were white, black, and Hispanic men all working together. But because there all one race they get categorized. I guarantee there are all kinds of people with different ethnicity that steel from our luggage, these men just happened to get a fixed laptop. As for immigration, of course that’s a serious issue in America. But what airline would hire men and women without the proper credentials? Please America wake up to your ignorance!!!
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Posted by ( RRR ) on March 31, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Would it still be possible to get some of this high-tech equipment at these bargain prices? Delta Global Services should be civilly charged and the woman who bought the item at an obvious theft-price should be charged also. As long as there is a repercussion-free market there will always be thieves.
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Posted by ( wildgypsy ) on March 31, 2008 at 9:55 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
marymcq, just how does someone steal your sh*t? You are right about one thing, if there are people stealing that, what will they steal next. Now, that's really getting "down and dirty."
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Posted by ( astronerd37 ) on March 31, 2008 at 10:06 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Parker415 half the people I grew up with in south Tampa were part are all Hispanic. So was Bob Martinez. Don't get too upset about the last names. I don't think it has held anyone back!
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Posted by ( mrey ) on March 31, 2008 at 10:41 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I have to agree, the racial comments in here are sad. I am 3rd generation born and raised here in Tampa with a Hispanic last name. Not all hispanic people are illegal. I've graduated from Jesuit and USF ... I don't think my last name has hurt any of you and I do not have a criminal history. It seems as though some of you are more angry that the individuals are hispanic as opposed to being thieves. I have an idea... place all your valuables in an unlocked suitcase and check it in at any airport- where any race is predominant... see what happens. Additionally, take a look at the HCSO website/ arrest inquiry. It appears to me you will find an equal ratio of all races as well.
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Posted by ( BIGJ76420 ) on March 31, 2008 at 11:42 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Answer to this problem can be simple. Any one can purchase a track and field starter pistol for as little as $50. Put all you Cameras,Laptops,PDA's,Etc.(Add up what you have invested its worth it) into one case with the starters pistol and when you check your luggage declare it the airport will lock it up and give you the key and the case is tracked thouroughly. You will not lose your gear cause if you do the TSA just lost a firearm. A Starter Pistol Does Not Need To Be Registered In Any State In The US. Check this link out for more details. HAPPY TRAVELS http://blog.jonudell.net/2007/05/09/amazing-lifehack-pack-a-starter-pistol-to-deter-luggage-theft/
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Posted by ( mos_redruM ) on March 31, 2008 at 11:53 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
this is what happens when good hard working AMERICAN people are fired and illegals are hired .....
Deport them
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Posted by ( supernanny80 ) on March 31, 2008 at 12:06 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
MOS REDRUM You can't work at the airport if you are illegal. Some of you are so ignorant you think anyone with a Hispanic last name is illegal. Grow up!
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Posted by ( wtf ) on March 31, 2008 at 12:30 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I BET THE BLACK GUYS IN THE OFFICE ARE GIVING EACH OTHER HIGH FIVES ON THIS ONE.
SERIOUSLY, THERE ARE PIECE OF SH*T PEOPLE OF ALL COLORS. I HATE THEM ALL, TOO.
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Posted by ( glenn47 ) on March 31, 2008 at 12:44 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
One of the three was born in New York, the other two in Puerto Rico - they are all American citizens, dirt bags, but American citizens.
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Posted by ( goodtimejim ) on March 31, 2008 at 2:01 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Here we go again...Yes!-Again and Again and Again. They commit the crime and we comment on them.
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Posted by ( tampadoug ) on March 31, 2008 at 2:07 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Having had a theft from our luggage on a trip to Europe out of TIA on Delta, it's great to see baggage handlers under scrutiny. The procedures with collecting from multiple airlines were so complex that I just absorbed the $300 loss. The next year, a new piece of luggage was destroyed on its maiden flight overseas. At least, I can assume that it was accidental.
A few years back, I talked to a baggage handler for Northwest from Detroit. He told me to avoid having luggage go through Detroit, since "all the handlers there are cokeheads and need to support their habits".
But since I already have tickets on Continental to Rome for August (lowest price), it is nice to see that their employees are being watched. All electronics and valuables, though, now travel with me in the cabin.
I have to take issue with the TIA Chief, however, if he said "It's like when we were kids and we leave the bicycle unchained." These aren't kids. They are thieves and they create alot of misery for passengers. Punish them accordingly so all airport workers will know the consequences of theft from passengers.
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Posted by ( GF ) on March 31, 2008 at 2:12 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
supernanny80, Fake credentials are cheap and easy to obtain.
Nobody said here that anyone with a Hispanic name was illegal. But just about every illegal has a Hispanic name. Just like not all Muslims are terrorists, but most terrorists are Muslims.
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Posted by ( clubord ) on March 31, 2008 at 4:18 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Keep in mind tampadoug that these were NOT Continental Airlines employees. Delta Global is an outside service contracted by the airline to handle the ground services.
These frauds were caught by a combined effort from Continental's internal security team and officials at TIA. I am happy to see stings like this going on to help protect the traveling public. I would expect to see more stories like this in the future. I'm sure it is not an isolated incident at this airport.
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Posted by ( ozzythewarrior ) on March 31, 2008 at 10:45 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
So where was airport security on this one?
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Posted by ( clamman ) on April 1, 2008 at 4:10 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Again. This same type of illegal activity is happening at a lot of airports! A lot of the people involved are P.R. directly or heritage. I am aware of these problems with arrests at Orlando,Miami,Jax and others in the N.E. Smuggling weapons and drugs from Fl. to the Island is not uncommon.If you think screwing with your shoes and stuff really makes you safer I have some wet real estate for you to look at. We are our own worst enemies pay is not the issue, corruption with no punishment is the problem.
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Posted by ( haha77 ) on April 3, 2008 at 11:44 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I have never read so many stupid comments! Immigration is a problem but this is due to such messy immigration policies. There is no simple answer. Regardless if these individuals were illegal or not, they are thieves. They should do the time for the crime committed. And in reference to fake documents, most illegals pay allot of money for fake documents and won’t take the risk of working at the airport, ports or any place with high immigration security. They might be illegal but they are usually not that dumb. Also, just for you ignorant folks that mix illegal individuals with terrorists, the terrorists were here legally. :)
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