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Training, Teamwork Credited for Intercept at Norfolk

News & Happenings

March 11, 2008

As Norfolk (Va.) International Airport Transportation Security Officer Thomas Waalkes inspected a passenger's identification, he knew from travel document checker (TDC) training that the ID was a fraud.

Waalkes alerted Supervisory TSO Scott Eason, who referred the passenger for additional screening. Operating the X-ray, TSO Nancy Leshley saw suspicious items in the passenger's carry-on and TSO James Ritchie's search uncovered 15 razor blades, 78 credit cards, multiple checkbooks and Social Security cards.

Razor blades are often used to peel laminate off credit cards in counterfeiting operations.

The passenger was charged with conspiracy to commit credit card fraud.

"This incident is just one excellent example of how the TDC and checkpoint screening officers at the Norfolk International Airport work together to expose document fraud," said Mel Carson, TSA customer support and quality improvement manager at the airport.