Crime
Louisiana Airport Baggage Handlers Charged After $79,050 Patek Philippe Luxury Watch Stolen
Two baggage handlers at a Louisiana airport are accused of taking a luxury watch worth nearly $80,000 from a passenger’s checked bag.
People reported on Tuesday, October 6, that Thaddeus Porter, 42, of LaPlace, and Morris Robinson, 18, of Metairie, were arrested September 24 and charged with felony theft of property worth more than $25,000.
The men worked as baggage handlers at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office told NOLA.com.
The passenger flew from Los Angeles to New Orleans with a Patek Philippe Aquanaut worth $79,050 packed in his checked luggage, authorities said, as reported by the New York Post.
When he collected his bags, he discovered that both of his locked suitcases had been forcibly opened, and the watch was missing.
Investigators said airport security footage led them to Porter and Robinson. Both were booked into the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center the same day.
The sheriff’s office said the men worked for the airline the passenger flew with, which has not been named publicly.
Court records show each man posted a $25,000 bond and was released on September 25.
They are due in court on November 23, according to People.
Under Louisiana law, theft of property worth more than $25,000 carries up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $50,000, or both.
As of Tuesday, court records did not list attorneys for either man. The charges are unproven.
The TSA advises travelers carrying valuable jewelry to keep it with them rather than in checked luggage.
