TSA employee arrested after string of thefts

FORT LAUDERDALE-HOLLYWOOD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Fla. (WSVN) -- Police have arrested a TSA employee suspected of a string of thefts over the past several months.

Thirty-year-old Nelson Santiago was arrested Thursday after stealing electronics from passengers' checked luggage and then selling them online. "He had this down to a science. He'd take an item, then he would photograph it with his cell phone, post it on Craigslist, and most often it, was sold by the time his shift had ended," said Broward Sheriff's Office spokesperson Dani Moschella.

According to the BSO, Santiago was allegedly caught by a Continental Airlines employee slipping an iPad out of a suitcase and into his pants.

BSO said the scam went on for six months, and the sale of the stolen items added up to $50,000. "He stole most of the electronic equipment. A lot of iPads, computers, some small video cameras, a GPS device," said Moschella.

Rosanne Ambrico is a frequent traveler and is in shock with the news. "It's a TSA worker. They are screened, they go through background checks, and obviously he should have been cleared, but I don't know what happen," she said.

Santiago has been charged with grand theft. He has been a TSA officer since January 2009 but no longer works with the agency.

If you feel you have been a victim of this crime, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.

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