NJ Screener Admits Role In Thefts Of Air Travelers

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) - A supervisor at a New Jersey airport has admitted accepting bribes and kickbacks from a subordinate who stole money from passengers during security screenings.

Michael Arato of Ewing also admitted Monday in federal court in Newark that he regularly stole from passengers who went through his checkpoint at Newark Liberty Airport.

Prosecutors say the 41-year-old Arato permitted a worker he supervised to steal $10,000 to $30,000 in cash from travelers' bags over 13 months. In exchange, the subordinate would give some of the money to Arato. The subordinate, who was not named, cooperated with the investigation that led to Arato's arrest in October.

Arato faces a maximum potential sentence of 15 years in prison, though the actual penalty may be less under sentencing guidelines. He's to be sentenced May 24.