Ex-Airport Security Workers Sentenced for Stealing

Two former airport security workers were sentenced to three years probation and weekend confinement for stealing more than $20,000 (euro15,970) worth of cash and property from the checked baggage of Japanese travelers.

Benny S. Arcano, 27, and Christopher J. Cardona, 25, who were both fired from their jobs, will also serve six months of home detention, perform 450 hours of community service and pay a $2,000 (euro1,600) fine as part of a plea agreement.

Prosecutors said Monday the two former Transportation Security Administration employees admitted they stole yen from Japanese passengers on more than 10 occasions. Altogether, they admitted taking some $30,000 (euro23,950).

Both defendants cooperated with investigators after an airport employee observed Arcano removing an envelope from luggage in March 2005.

They both identified others who participated, including how they carried out the scheme. The two defendants apparently notified each other whenever they found money and divvied up the proceeds after converting the yen to U.S. dollars.

U.S. District Judge Susan Mollway considered their clean records before the thefts and their history of stable employment. But she said they deserved some incarceration because they abused their privileged position as federal government employees and violated the trust people have for those who work in government.

Mollway also ordered Arcano to attend Gamblers Anonymous meetings and prohibited him from going near gamblers.

Defense attorney William Domingo said Arcano has taken responsibility for his actions, is deeply remorseful and recognizes how far-reaching his conduct has affected the "psyche of the public, TSA and the state," which depends largely on tourism.

Cardona may be required to participate in a mental health program that could include anger management classes but it will be up to the discretion of the probation office, Mollway said.

Defense attorney Pam Tamashiro said Cadorna has unresolved anger-management problems that go back to his youth.

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