Attorney Says Agents "Could Have Waited" To Arrest His Client

Poor Pythias Brown... the 48-year-old TSA baggage screener at Newark Liberty who's been charged with stealing dozens of cameras, computers and other electronic gadgets from passengers' bags, and selling them on eBay. He just can't seem to steal a break.

As ANN reported earlier this week, Brown's bail was set at $100,000... and since he didn't have the property necessary to secure a bail bond, his fiance co-signed an unsecured bond to get him out of jail.

Now, the New Jersey Star-Ledger reports Brown's attorney asked a judge to allow Brown to leave the country for a honeymoon while he awaits his trial. Brown reportedly appeared in federal court in Newark to ask US Magistrate Judge Esther Salas to be considerate of his wedding plans.

The judge was not amused. "I understand Mr. Brown has plans ... but the fact is, the circumstances have changed. I'm not going to, at this juncture, permit him to travel on the honeymoon."

Brown's public defender, Anthony Thomas, said the defendant and his fiancee are getting married Sunday, and planned to fly to the Dominican Republic for their honeymoon on Tuesday. He pointed out Brown has been "fully compliant" with investigators, gave them a "lengthy statement," confessed to the thefts, and showed up voluntarily to face charges.

Thomas even had the audacity to criticize authorities for their lack of courtesy in making the arrest when they did. "Obviously, they could have waited until Mr. Brown returned...There is absolutely no reason why Mr. Brown and his fiancee cannot ... enjoy their nuptials in the Dominican Republic," Thomas told the court.

Assistant US Attorney Jenny Kramer responded that Brown now has no job, has failed to appear on numerous traffic violation in the past, and has had his drivers license suspended multiple times as a result. She urged Salas to restrict Brown's travel and order him to surrender his passport. The judge agreed.

So... Brown and his fiance, Dee, are free to go ahead with their wedding. But the honeymoon travel plans will have to wait.

And a friendly tip for the wedding photographer... you probably don't want to leave your camera lying around during the ceremony.

FMI: www.tsa.gov, At Least Brown Received Positive Feedback On eBay!