Allegedly Stole 343 Computers Sent To Alaska Schools

Six Ravn Air ramp agents have been charged with the theft of 343 computers that were being mailed to schools in rural villages in Alaska, along with cell phones, chewing tobacco and cigarettes. The value of the stolen items was placed at $489,000.

The Associated Press reports that the suspects have been identified as Congress Lepou, 29, Breadoflife "Presley" Faiupu, 36, Hubert Barte, 37, Paulo Maae, 24, Harold Velicaria, 35, and Rogelio "Roger" Daquis, 49. One was arrested Friday, and the others on Monday.

According to the report, the employees allegedly took the items from shipments that Ravn Air air was authorized to pick up from the U.S. Postal Service Processing and Distribution Center in Anchorage and move it to Ravn facilities where it would be loaded onto airplanes for delivery to villages. Prosecutors say that Lepou and Faiubu used a Ravn truck to pick up the items and take them to an employee parking lot, where they were put in private vehicles.

The other four who were charges allegedly paid for stolen goods or found other buyers. Some were given to family members or co-workers.

In a statement, Ravn said that it took prompt and corrective action as soon as the situation was brought to their attention, and the employees involved were terminated.

FMI: Original report