Cops: Newark TSA Screener Targeted Women For A Year
NEWARK (CBS 2) -- His job was to keep travelers safe by screening for bombs in carry-on luggage at Newark Liberty International Airport.
But instead, authorities say a Transportation Security Administration supervisor was stealing thousands of dollars from unsuspecting passengers -- mostly women.
CBS 2's Christine Sloan caught up with the supervisor as he left court Wednesday.
Michael Arato, 41, had nothing to say as he left federal court. The former TSA supervisor has been charged with stealing cash from passengers at a security checkpoint in Terminal B.
Authorities said he and another screener targeted women who didn't speak English boarding a flight that departs to India every night.
"He was a predator then. He was looking for women from other countries that would not necessarily know the customs of this country and seeking them to steal that money," said passenger Tracy Rubinetti.
Arato allegedly swiped the money right under the watch of a surveillance camera at Newark Liberty. Investigators said for about a year he worked with another screener. As one distracted a passenger the other would steal cash from bags.
Prosecutors said the co-schemer would steal between $400 and $700 during each shift, handing over $200 to $400 to Arato.
The feds haven't charged that screener because that person spent a month helping them nab Arato after a passenger complained money was missing. Authorities said surveillance tape shows Arato getting $3,100 in bribes from the co-schemer.
"I think if they're screened appropriately it wouldn't be easy for them to do that," passenger Melissa Brown said.
A TSA spokesperson said security officers here undergo significant background checks, adding: "The unfortunate choices of a couple of individuals should in no way serve as a reflection on the more than 1050 security officers at Newark Liberty who conduct themselves with professionalism and integrity every day and do an outstanding job keeping the traveling public safe."
Last year, a former TSA screener at Newark admitted to stealing $400,000 in equipment and jewelry.
Arato didn't want to talk Wednesday, but according to court papers he had plenty to say on audio, including voicing his anger over people "leaving this country with our money."
The TSA wouldn't say if there is video of Arato allegedly stealing money during that year. Since 2007, 23 security officers have been fired nationwide for stealing from screened bags.
