CHARLOTTE— A contractor working at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), North Carolina, has been accused of stealing high-value jewelry from a passenger’s checked baggage and attempting to sell the items online, according to police documents.
Authorities said the incident occurred during a layover on April 11, raising fresh concerns about baggage security and insider access at one of the busiest airports in the United States.
The suspect, identified as 22-year-old Alonys Reyes-Garcia, was arrested on April 14 after investigators linked him to an online listing offering the stolen jewelry for sale. The items, valued at approximately $5,000, were reportedly taken from a traveler’s suitcase while it was in transit through CLT.
Charlotte-Douglas Theft Investigation
Police began investigating after a passenger reported that multiple pieces of diamond jewelry were missing from her luggage following a layover.
The complaint prompted detectives to track online marketplaces for any matching listings.
Investigators soon identified a social media account advertising jewelry that closely matched the stolen items. The listing offered the pieces as a bundle, which further raised suspicion due to its similarity to the victim’s report.
Authorities traced the account to Reyes-Garcia, who was employed by a contractor with access to baggage handling areas at the airport. This access became a key element in establishing how the alleged theft may have occurred.
Search Warranted and Arrest Followed
Detectives arranged a controlled purchase to confirm the suspect’s identity and involvement. Reyes-Garcia reportedly shared his home address with undercover officers posing as buyers, allowing law enforcement to plan a targeted operation.
Police conducted surveillance before stopping his vehicle and placing him under arrest. Following the arrest, officers executed search warrants on both his car and residence.
During the searches, authorities recovered the stolen jewelry at his home. Officers also reported finding a concealed firearm in his vehicle, adding another charge to the case.
Charges Filed Include a $10,000 Bond
Reyes-Garcia now faces multiple charges, including felony larceny, possession of stolen goods, and misdemeanor concealed carry. Court records show that he was held at Mecklenburg County jail before posting a $10,000 bond, WBTV flagged.
During questioning, the suspect claimed he had found the jewelry in a secure baggage area rather than stealing it.
However, investigators noted that he requested legal counsel when asked about potential surveillance footage from restricted airport zones.
Officials have not confirmed whether video evidence directly shows the act of theft.
The case highlights ongoing vulnerabilities in baggage handling systems, particularly when third-party contractors are involved in secure airport operations.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
