JFK baggage handlers accused of stealing more than $27K

NEW YORK - Five baggage handlers at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York are accused of stealing more than $27,000 from mail bound for overseas, reports CBS New York.

The five, who were responsible for loading U.S. mail onto international flights, are accused of stealing checks and money orders and depositing them in their own accounts, authorities said. The stolen checks included child support payments, officials said.

The five are are also accused of stealing credit cards, which they used to buy iPads and more from kiosks inside the airport, officials said.

"It is alarming that these defendants were allegedly using U.S. mailbags as grab bags to satisfy their own greed," Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said.

"There is zero tolerance for anyone who steals from the U.S. Mail. Postal Inspectors will utilize every resource available to identify those responsible and ensure justice is served," United States Postal Inspector in Charge Philip Bartlett said.

The suspects were identified as Anthony Austin, 26, of Queens; Michael Williams, 29, of Brooklyn; Alexander Fluellen, 29, of Brooklyn; Samuel Wright, 31, of Brooklyn; and Ariel Weaver, 20, of Queens, reports CBS New York.

They reportedly face larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, petit larceny and forgery charges. Fluellen, Wright and Weaver were released without bail and Austin was held on $5,000 bail. Williams was being held pending arraignment.