Airport worker arrested in $250K heist

A man allegedly took possession of a bag he was assigned to scan and transport

Airport worker arrested in $250K heist

A Delta ground crew member was arrested at the John F. Kennedy Airport in New York for allegedly stealing approximately US$250,000 in cash from cargo he was assigned to transport into an aircraft.

The employee identified as Quincy Thorpe was charged with theft in connection with the Sept. 24 incident after authorities received a criminal complaint. The man posted an US$80,000 bond and has been released, the US Attorney's Office in the Eastern District of New York said.

READ MORE: United Airlines fires staff who sold employee travel privileges

Thorpe was allegedly responsible for preparing a total of eight bags containing valuables for transport on Flight 1225 for Miami. However, security personnel from Victim Security Company found only seven bags had been documented and loaded onto the plane, the complaint alleged.

Investigators interviewed Thorpe at his residence following his absence from work immediately after the incident. The employee told authorities he was aware he was handling high-value cargo.

“The alleged actions of this employee are unacceptable and in no way reflect the professionalism and values we expect from Delta team members,” Delta said in a statement.

“We are taking this situation very seriously and working directly with authorities on their investigation as well as conducting an internal investigation of our own.”