Two Los Angeles men, one a current and the other a former baggage handler for Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), were arrested on February 2 for stealing tens of thousands of dollars from airline passengers' luggage. The two were arrested in their respective homes in South Los Angeles by officers from the Los Angeles Police Department and LAX, according to The Los Angeles Times.
According to authorities, police were issued search warrants for the men's homes and discovered more than $100,000 worth of cash and stolen property in total from the premises. While details concerning how long the operation had lasted or how the men were able to take so much are forthcoming, police are investigating whether the thefts were a part of a larger criminal ring victimizing LAX passengers. The officers involved in the takedown are from a task force focused on criminal operations at LAX.
Under California Penal Code Section 487(a), the unlawful taking of money or property valued greater than $950 is classified as felony Grand Theft, which can be punished by a maximum of one year in county jail or three years in state prison. Penal Code section 487(a) is also what is known as a wobbler, meaning that it can also be charged as a misdemeanor. Where Grand Theft is charged as a misdemeanor those convicted may be punished by a $1,000 fine, imprisonment for up to one year in county jail, or both. If the theft was less than $950, those convicted may be be charged with misdemeanor Petty Theft under California Penal Code Sections 484 and 488. Those convicted of Petty Theft can be punished by a $1,000 fine, imprisonment in county jail for up to six months, or both. In the case of these LAX thefts, the suspects may have multiple charges of each leveled at them due to many incidents of theft at LAX, leading to a great number of penalties.
If you or a loved one is facing any form of theft charges in Southern California, the Los Angeles theft defense attorney, Daniel Kann, has the experience necessary to have your charges reduced or thrown out entirely. For more information, call the Law Offices of Daniel Kann at (310) 954-9356.
