TSA agent steals $200K worth of gear, resells it on eBay

Tue Oct 14, 2008 6:43PM EDT

See Comments (205)

The TSA reached a mind-boggling new low in customer service this week when it was revealed that one agent had single-handedly absconded with over $200,000 worth of travelers' belongings, primarily cameras and laptops, and proceeded to unload his booty on eBay. His latest haul: A near-$50,000 camera that an HBO employee had been traveling with.

The culprit is one Pythias Brown, a New Jersey resident who worked in the TSA department at Newark Liberty Airport. Finally busted, police discovered an inventory of 66 cameras, 31 laptops, assorted jewelry, and more when they searched his home. How'd he finally get caught? Brown snagged a camera belonging to CNN, and they found it for sale on eBay, where Brown had been converting the gear into cash.

Brown's been doing a great job of it too, with a near-perfect feedback rating on eBay.

Of note: Brown appears to have been taking items from checked luggage in the back rooms of the airport, not carry-ons. (One has to imagine you'd notice your $50,000 camera was missing after it came off the x-ray line.) But since consumers are no longer allowed to lock their luggage (or, at least, the TSA is allowed to break those locks as it sees fit), travelers have no real means of protection when it comes to guarding against inside job thievery like this.

What do you do if you need to get something expensive from point A to point B but can't carry it on the plane? Advance shipping through FedEx and the like seems like the only real solution: At least with shipping carriers you can insure the package against damage and theft. But sadly, your contract with the airlines absolves them of virtually all liability when things like this happen.

Another good reason to ship instead of check a bag? Given that airlines now charge up to a whopping $250 for a checked bag, it may now actually be cheaper to have FedEx pick up your stuff at your house and drop it at your destination. How's that for progress?

Comments on TSA agent steals $200K worth of gear, resells it on eBay

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  • 26 Posted by rockford33usa on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:47PM EDT Report Abuse

    It's amazing to me how people that travel once every five years are robbed of thousands of dollars of belongings, yet people like me that travel regularly lose nothing. Methinks they're generally lying.

  • 27 Posted by johnnysucks_310 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:39PM EDT Report Abuse

    Oh yea... one more thing. There are other people who handle your baggage. The people who load your bags into the plane DO NOT WORK FOR TSA. Why dont u guys question them when your stuff comes up missing?

  • 28 Posted by shortybig_2000 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:21PM EDT Report Abuse

    TSA is at the bottom of the list....is a shame..i rather shipped my pkg thru DHL expecially if im going international.

  • 29 Posted by sons1232002 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:33PM EDT Report Abuse

    "The culprit is one Pythias Brown, a New Jersey resident who worked in the TSA department at Newark Liberty Airport." This guy is a real jerk. I hope his parents are super proud of the thief that they raised. I'll bet his x-wife is calling her lawyer to see if she can garnish his ebay earnings. Greed and deceit are ruining this country.

  • 30 Posted by p8ntpunisher on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:48PM EDT Report Abuse

    i work as a ramper or wut most people know as a baggage handler for american airlines in colorado springs and i can see how he got away with it but as far as how long the airlines ppl have ur bag its minutes, if that

  • 31 Posted by kensidley on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:49PM EDT Report Abuse

    Catch 22. Minimum wage help in a position of authority or security. The temptation is there, and they usually take whatever is available. Sounds almost like our cogressional leaders doesn't it?

  • 33 Posted by kamarahs on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:46PM EDT Report Abuse

    I think it's fair you cannot sue the airlines for missing items. The airlines does not hire TSA. TSA is a government agency that operates on a federal level,which was mandate to have them control the safety of the ports regardless of what we want.

  • 34 Posted by ililin1224 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:23PM EDT Report Abuse

    Just traveled from LAX to TPE on Oct. 1, 2008. When I arrived in Taipei, I noticed that my checked luggage has been opened. Then I found out some of the designer goods were missing from my luggage. My friend who traveled on the same route few months ago also had the same problem. TSA in LAX is really bad. They asked us to go to the gate instead of standing there watching them screening our luggage... Those TSA agents need to be monitored when they are checking out other people's belongings!!!

  • 35 Posted by kensidley on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:49PM EDT Report Abuse

    Another government agency with no accountability. Reminds me of our lawmakers in Washington. Only difference is what they take in Washington has more zero's at the end.

  • 36 Posted by bigkev_96118 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:07PM EDT Report Abuse

    let me guess... he is a black man..what white family would name their kid pythias anyway? blacks have the most ----- ed up names..you can always tell them in the news just by their names..lol stupid monkey..i hope he gets years in prison.

  • 37 Posted by mysticalone13 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:32PM EDT Report Abuse

    In response to jgg5150 all I have to say is that you are a shallow non educated person to say something like that. Just because you may have had a bad experience one time, shouldnt give you the right to associate one person to many. You should really think before you speak. I really feel sorry for you....

  • 38 Posted by cphenson on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:30PM EDT Report Abuse

    I have complained in the past to the TSA (what a waste of time) about items stolen from my baggage by TSA screeners. Why was there no internal monitoring during this TSA employee's criminal career? How many more of them are helping themselves to passengers' belongings? What use are these people anyway?

  • 39 Posted by songofcat on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:32PM EDT Report Abuse

    I only ever take carry-on. If I need clothes where I'm going, I take one change of clothes in my carry-on, and buy the rest when I get where I'm going. When my trip is done, I'll send them UPS to my home.

  • 40 Posted by wlmadole@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:49PM EDT Report Abuse

    Its not the airlines fault. Why should they be sued? Its the government man that was stealing. It makes me sick, An industry that is dieing and everybody thinks stick it to the fat cats.

  • 41 Posted by mushro1 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:30PM EDT Report Abuse

    I've seen it first hand. TSA giant male baboons selecting 12 and 13 year old girls out of the queue just to feel up their underdeveloped attributes, while their parents are forced to watch helplessly. Totally disgusting.

  • 42 Posted by biohazard3738 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:08PM EDT Report Abuse

    What do we realy expect? We pay a guy $35000 a year in a major city and expect him to be happy? Most secretaries earn more than that... Doesnt mean its right, only pointing out the reality... I dont fly unless its for work. Then I only check clothes. If we want people to be honest then lets pay them a working wage, and increase the penalty of dishonesty. Ckeck out the SV, SG pay scales... its sad.

  • 43 Posted by jccase2002 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:30PM EDT Report Abuse

    It's worth noting that the TSA remained completely unaware of this until it was uncovered by the police. It is has become tangibly clear in recent times that the TSA is more of a threat to you than terrorism is. Security personnel are responsible for serious harassment, abuse, misconduct, and theft on a daily basis. Terrorist attacks happen... once a decade? It goes well beyond cutting off the nose to spite the face.

  • 44 Posted by namaste0lee on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:33PM EDT Report Abuse

    C'mon I mean really..., Just because one person is a bad apple does not mean to blame or stereotype the entire TSA or airline staff. Place the blame where it belongs. All "respectable" jobs have theft, government, police etc., The majority of the airline & TSA staff are not like that. Let's lock up our items, travel wisely, and focus on the people that are honest and do their jobs. P.S I work for TSA & I do not steel or harass people. I do a duty for my country & keep people a little bit safer. I will not forget 911, Not on my watch~

  • 45 Posted by bb_hippo_02 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:03PM EDT Report Abuse

    i have to say, my experience with TSA in San Francisco has never been a problem. I traveled internationally 6x a yr for 3 yrs and i always put notes inside my box saying "i'd really appreciate it if you take extra care in inspecting my electronic items." and they always did. placing them back exactly how i packed it. after several trips, they stopped opening my boxes. It's a shame how a few of them just willfully do such an unacceptable thing. sad sad sad.

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