Michigan TSA Investigation Leads to Convictions
News & Happenings
October 10, 2007
An investigation, begun after Cargo Transportation Security Inspector Marna Sims discovered irregularities in airway bills at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, ended with a guilty plea in early October 2007.
Through the investigation that began in November 2005, special agents from the Office of Inspection identified an organized retail theft ring that used commercial air carriers to ship stolen property.
The investigation found that the owner of Inter-Shipping Chartering Corporation, a Miami-based indirect air carrier, provided copies of his certification documents to the ring, which used the certification to transport thousands of pounds of stolen property on passenger aircraft. TSA revoked the corporation’s indirect air carrier certification in May 2006.
On Oct. 3, 2007, the owner of the corporation, pleaded guilty to two counts of making false statements. He faces up to five years in prison and a possible fine of $250,000. Two other defendants pleaded guilty to falsification counts last year and are currently serving sentences in federal correctional institutions.
"This case is a clear indication that TSA cargo transportation security inspectors are working diligently to ensure that our regulations are being followed," said Detroit Federal Security Director Bob Ball. "Our cooperative work with law enforcement shows that we will take swift and aggressive action against those who are found to be violating regulations."
Ball praised the efforts of TSA employees, including Assistant FSD-Regulatory Inspections Larry Marshall, Sims, and Inspection Supervisor Robin Bahling who coordinated the regulatory work and assisted in executing the search warrant in Miami.
Special Agent Joe Viviano and Transportation Security Specialist Bill Whiting from the Office of Inspection are credited with identifying the scope of the investigation and bringing it to a successful conclusion.
"This investigation highlights the benefits of working together in TSA," said Office of Inspection Special Agent in Charge Lawrence Porte. "This was a national case that involved the blending of regulatory and law enforcement efforts from around the country. Without the hard work and dedication of these TSIs and special agents this case could not have been solved."
R. Alexander Acosta, United States attorney for the Southern District of Florida, announced the plea in a news release and commended the investigative efforts of the TSA inspectors.
