TSA agents arrested at JFK Airport for stealing US$39,000 from passenger

TIMES INT'L

Two Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers were busted on Wednesday, February16th, for stealing US$40,000 at the John F Kennedy Airport from a bag they thought belonged to a drug dealer, a law enforcement source said.

Under questioning, the pair also admitted swiping up to US$160,000 from other unsuspecting passengers.

Rogue agents Davon Webb, 30, and Persad Coumar, 36, were busted after a sharp- eyed colleague blew the whistle on them.

They were charged with grand larceny, possession of stolen property, conspiracy, and official misconduct.

“TSA has a zero-tolerance policy for theft in the workplace,” the Transportation Security Administration said.

“The disgraceful actions of a few should not reflect negatively on the … 50,000 TSA officers across the country, who work each day to keep the travelling public safe.” Coumar X-rayed luggage destined for an American Airlines’ flight to Argentina on January 30. Then he phoned Webb, who was assigned to the baggage belt area. Webb confirmed there was cash inside, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said.

Brown said Coumar found US$170,000 wrapped in tape. He took US$40,000 and met Webb in a bathroom, where the employees hid the loot in their clothing, Brown said.

A TSA agent tipped off a supervisor, triggering an investigation by Port Authority cops.

Police found US$16,000 at Webb’s home. They also found US$23,980 at Coumar’s home. He had spent US$20 on food, authorities said.

A law enforcement source said the details of the investigation will be forwarded to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The passenger who checked the bag arrived safely in Argentina and never told authorities he was missing any cash.

One source said most of the bags – aside from the US$40,000 theft – were chosen randomly. Another source said the duo targeted drug dealers because they didn’t think criminals would report the thefts.

Webb, who joined the TSA in 2004, and Coumar, who started in 2002, are expected to be fired, officials said.

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