Luggage theft seems to be a huge problem at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. So far, there have been three people this year that have been arrested on suspicion of luggage theft at the airport.
It might not be too surprising that there are harsh consequences associated with such criminal charges. In an earlier blog post, we reported that Stacy Lee King was sentenced to 3.5 years in prison last month after she pleaded guilty to charges of theft, trafficking in stolen property and a dangerous drug violation, all of which were associated with a case that involved her stealing luggage from the airport. Her husband is scheduled to be sentenced on October 1 after pleading guilty to two counts of burglary, and one count each of theft, drug possession and trafficking stolen property.
Most recently, a 23-year-old man that worked for the baggage contractor Elite Line Services was arrested after police saw him remove boxes off a conveyor belt after passenger check-in, as reported in the Arizona Republic. After a search, police reportedly found more than $100,000 worth of property in the home of the suspect Michael Hegstad. Phoenix police have also identified more than 60 people who are reported to be victims of luggage theft at the Phoenix airport.
Any other potential victims of luggage theft have been asked to contact the Phoenix Police Property Crime Unit task force at (602) 495-7827. Meanwhile, it might not be long at all before we see Michael Hegstad with a Phoenix criminal defense attorney if he is formally charged with a crime.
Related Resources:
- Burglary Crimes (FindLaw's LawBrain)
- See a Phoenix Criminal Defense Attorney (FindLaw)
- Arizona Stolen Luggage Case Offers Lessons (FindLaw's Common Law Blog)
ShareThis
