Two TSA agents arrested at JFK Airport for stealing $39K from passenger's bag

[Rlong1985]

Link to the newspaper

Two TSA officers were busted Wednesday for stealing $40,000 from a bag at Kennedy Airport they thought belonged to a drug dealer, a law enforcement source said.

Under questioning, the pair also admitted swiping up to $160,000 from other unsuspecting passengers.

Rogue agents Davon Webb, 30, and Persad Coumar, 36, were busted after a sharp-eyed colleague blew the whistle.

They were charged with grand larceny, possession of stolen property, conspiracy and official misconduct.

"TSA has a zero tolerance policy for theft in the workplace," the Transportation Security Administration said.

"The disgraceful actions of a few should not reflect negatively on the ... 50,000 TSA officers across the country who work each day to keep the traveling public safe."

Coumar X-rayed luggage destined for an American Airlines flight to Argentina on Jan. 30. Then he phoned Webb, who was assigned to the baggage belt area. Webb confirmed there was cash inside, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said.

Brown said Coumar found $170,000 wrapped in tape. He took $40,000 and met Webb in a bathroom, where the employees hid the loot in their clothing, Brown said.

A TSA agent tipped off a supervisor, triggering an investigation by Port Authority cops.

Cops found $16,000 at Webb's Bronx home.

They also found $23,980 at Coumar's Jackson Heights home. He had spent $20 on food, authorities said.

A law enforcement source said the details of the investigation will be forwarded to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The passenger who checked the bag arrived safely in Argentina and never told authorities he was missing any cash.

One source said most of the bags - aside from the $40,000 theft - were chosen randomly.

Another source said the duo targeted drug dealers because they didn't think criminals would report the thefts.

Webb, who joined the TSA in 2004, and Coumar, who started in 2002, are expected to be fired, officials said.


- Thanks for making the TSA look worse guys....You already have this to worry about...

[Norm357]

I'm shocked.

[Citicop]

I'm shocked.

[Norm357]

[Kimble]

I have to roll my eyes every time I see the media write "TSA agents," as some of these screeners have been stopped on traffic stops and declared themselves as "federal agents."

[retdetsgt]

I wonder who the hell was carrying $40K in cash in their suitcase.....

[Switchback]

I wonder who the hell was carrying $40K in cash in their suitcase.....

I think the article (probably rightly) assumed the money came from someone involved in the drug trade. Afterall, who travels to Latin American countries with that kind of money, taped-up! Furthermore, who else would let that kind of money be taken without reporting it stolen?

[marinepilot]

I wonder who the hell was carrying $40K in cash in their suitcase.....

They weren't carrying $40K in their suitcase...

Brown said Coumar found $170,000 wrapped in tape. He took $40,000 and met Webb in a bathroom, where the employees hid the loot in their clothing, Brown said.

The person was carrying $170K in cash, wrapped in tape!! The TSA fools only took $40K of it. Which leads to the me believing as Switch does.....

I think the article (probably rightly) assumed the money came from someone involved in the drug trade. Afterall, who travels to Latin American countries with that kind of money, taped-up! Furthermore, who else would let that kind of money be taken without reporting it stolen?

[SANE-A30]

I have to roll my eyes every time I see the media write "TSA agents," as some of these screeners have been stopped on traffic stops and declared themselves as "federal agents."

that is comical to me ...ummm far from a Fed...no offense if their is TSA agents on this board but i think that is funny.

They weren't carrying $40K in their suitcase...



The person was carrying $170K in cash, wrapped in tape!! The TSA fools only took $40K of it. Which leads to the me believing as Switch does.....

either a major drug dealer or a filthy pimping millionaire lol

[retdetsgt]

I think the article (probably rightly) assumed the money came from someone involved in the drug trade. Afterall, who travels to Latin American countries with that kind of money, taped-up! Furthermore, who else would let that kind of money be taken without reporting it stolen?

I knew that was normal for the drug trade, but the fact they reported it.......... Kind of a form of suicide.....

[Switchback]

..not a millionaire. Most millionaires, while greedy, still understand that there are reporting laws when traveling. Also, they are greedy enough to know that their money is far safer in an institution. Large amounts of undeclared cash is indicative of only 1 thing... money laundering/drug dealing. It is not illegal to travel with large sums of cash, it is just foolish (and must be declared).

[marinepilot]

I knew that was normal for the drug trade, but the fact they reported it.......... Kind of a form of suicide.....

The person who had the money stolen from him did not report it. They were caught when another TSA agent (one with morals and courage and integrity) observed them stealing the cash and then reported it to a supervisor.

Rogue agents Davon Webb, 30, and Persad Coumar, 36, were busted after a sharp-eyed colleague blew the whistle.

A TSA agent tipped off a supervisor, triggering an investigation by Port Authority cops.

The passenger who checked the bag arrived safely in Argentina and never told authorities he was missing any cash.

And it seems the TSA fools also believed it to be drug money...

Another source said the duo targeted drug dealers because they didn't think criminals would report the thefts.

[Kimble]

that is comical to me ...ummm far from a Fed...no offense if their is TSA agents on this board but i think that is funny.

You just did it again, Sane.

[retdetsgt]

I need to work on my reading comprehension.

[marinepilot]

I need to work on my reading comprehension.

What was it they say is the first thing to go? I can't really remember......