Pennsylvania Man Became Angry Over Cuts In Pay, Retirement Benefits

A 53-year-old Pennsylvania man, who said he became angry when US Airways cut his pay and retirement benefits, was sentenced last Friday to prison for stealing equipment from the airline, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Ronald Aikens of Center, PA worked for 30 years as a mechanic for US Airways, and pleaded guilty to the thefts, which all took place between 2004 and 2009. According to the Beaver County Times, town police raided his home on November 13, 2009 and recovered a large hydraulic jack, wheels and pressure gauges, and two six-foot-long torque wrenches. Other missing items included landing lights, seatbelts, and 43 Telex 750 headsets.

Prosecutors cited eBay records which they say show Aikens sold some of the stolen equipment in online auctions for more than $350,000. The man had no prior criminal record. Federal District Judge Arthur Schwab sentenced Aikens to two years in prison, three years probation, and ordered him to pay $586,000 in restitution to the airline.

FMI: www.usairways.com