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Police Bust Perps Who Stole Over 1,000 Suitcases
(Stock Photo)
The USA Today via YellowBrix
November 05, 2009
PHOENIX – Police arrested two people Monday on suspicion of stealing at least 1,000 pieces of luggage from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
Keith King, 61, and Stacy Legg King, 38, were each booked on counts of theft of property and possession of stolen property. Stacy King was also arrested on suspicion of “evidence of tampering,” police said. It’s not immediately clear the relationship between the two.
About three weeks ago, a Phoenix police officer apparently saw Keith King enter the airport from outside and take a piece a luggage from a baggage claim carousel. He was arrested in the parking lot a short time later when police determined the luggage wasn’t his.
Police allege that after Keith was released, he returned to the airport
and stole more luggage. Authorities followed him home, where he was detained.
Police say the do not know how long the thefts have been going on, how many times the thieves have struck, and whether there were other people involved. Keith King does not work at the airport, authorities said.
A search warrant of the Kings’ home in Waddell in the northwest Valley reportedly revealed many suitcases, some empty and some with property still in them.
Police said they plan to return as much material as possible, but it would be difficult to identify the victims of the luggage theft because all the tags had been removed from the suitcases.
Eugene Huneycutt, 66, a neighbor, said he has bought 35 to 40 children videos for his granddaughter at yard sales at the Kings’ home and became suspicious about how Keith King would possess the items.
Huneycutt said he also saw a lot of pieces of luggage at the sales.
Neighbors reported seeing a trailer full of material arriving to the home in the middle of the night, which they described as suspicious.
Texas2step
21 days ago
3842 Comments
After all is said and done, I can only think of how many times my personal belongings have gone through a multiplicity of airports...........and we trust strangers to manage our property............because we simply have no choice. I hope the rest of the baggage handlers are not frowned upon by the act of these degenerates.
USvapd1919
21 days ago
122 Comments
Throw the book at them. Full sentence.
Whalewatcher
21 days ago
1500 Comments
Obviously, these two have been at it for quite a while. Max charges and sentences for the both of them. Agree with DALLASCRANE about ruined vacations, etc. caused by them; we may never know the full extent of the damage they caused.
Katz
21 days ago
6198 Comments
I am amazed to see what lengths people will go to ...to keep from working a good old 9-5 or a 12 hour shift! POC..for sure! What's next?
beathis
21 days ago
1446 Comments
Wow, that's why i stand right at the carousel as soon as i debark. Good Job to the officer in catching this POS
coshane220
21 days ago
8404 Comments
Just as soon as you think you've heard them all, something like this pops up!
I~D~I~O~T
Hardcopy69
21 days ago
6010 Comments
Wow... Just goes to show the many ways people can rip you off.. The officer who was observant did a great job!
Sheriff_1
21 days ago
6832 Comments
Total max on charges. How many identity thefts, bust vacations, etc. has been caused by these jerks.
Irishcop1961
21 days ago
15506 Comments
I agree with DALLASCRANE.
DALLASCRANE
21 days ago
7862 Comments
How many vacations did these jerks ruin? Put them away to the full extent of the law.
bfriskey
21 days ago
238 Comments
Again, PROSECUTE TO THE FULLESS EXTENT OF THE LAW..Each bag worth over $500 ?? is a felony?? and hopefully some have handguns in them therefore making t another felony,as mine did.Jail Time for these pukes. You have no idea how much of my life you stole from me when you took 3 days of my 7 day trip.I am still donating time towards attempting to get refunded my expenses and personal effects, of which you have zero use for.Your girlfriend wearing my underwear you puke...Is she the Man and you the punk!! Get used to it, your cellie will like the roll playing. Thieves , liars, and pukes..The world is filled with You idiots. Try a job
PS..Mine was stolen in Orlando Sept 28th.. I hate thieves !! Hope you all go to prison for the weapons charges!!.
SilentMarksman
21 days ago
146 Comments
sounds like the nabor was an accomplice lol
BSPD88
21 days ago
918 Comments
Nice to know these people have been caught. In 1993, when i arrived at LAX, after taking possession of my luggage,I was stopped at the exit, along with everyone else, to verify that the luggage I had in hand matched my airline ticket information. Perhaps other airports should follow this. Makes new jobs !
headbrer
21 days ago
2988 Comments
Saw this on the news. I'm glad they caught up with these thieves.