News Network Left It At A Checkpoint To See If It Would Be Stolen

A TSA screener working at Orlando International Airport was found to be in possession of an iPad that was left at a screening checkpoint by ABC News in an effort to determine the extent of a theft problem among screeners.

The tablet was one of 10 purposely left at various checkpoints at airports around the country. The "owners" of the other nine were contacted by TSA using names and phone numbers clearly displayed on the devices' cases as is the agency’s policy.

But the tablet left at Orlando continued to be missing for 15 days. The producers had used a tracking app to follow the device from the airport some 30 miles to the home of screener Andy Ramirez. When the news crew got to his home, he initially told them he knew nothing about the device. When they activated an audible alarm app on the tablet, he produced and turned it over after taking off his uniform shirt. He said he was "embarrassed" because his wife had taken it from the airport. His wife backed up the story, saying she had found the device and "not told my husband."

When they then asked why there was surveillance video of him handling the iPad at a security checkpoint, he reportedly shut the door and would not say anything further.

The TSA says they have a "zero tolerance" policy for thefts at airports. Ramirez is reportedly no longer employed by the agency.

FMI: www.tsa.gov