News

Actions

Norfolk baggage handlers sentenced for stealing items from passengers’ luggage

Posted at 12:17 PM, Mar 15, 2016
and last updated 2016-03-15 12:18:09-04

Norfolk, Va. – Two former Norfolk International Airport baggage handlers were sentenced Monday for breaking into luggage and stealing items.

Chris Arthur Perry, 26, of Chesapeake, and Gregory Paul Wingard, Jr., 27, of Norfolk both pleaded guilty on November 18, 2015.

Perry was sentenced to 17 months in prison and Wingard was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison.

According to court documents, from approximately December 2013 to June 2015, Perry and Wingard broke into checked baggage in the secure area of the airport and removed money, electronics and other valuables. The men then sold the items to members of the community or pawn shops in the area.

Part of the conspiracy was to steal firearms by switching baggage tags, causing firearm containers to be transported away from the original intended destination and preventing detection from law enforcement.

As part of their sentence, the men will also be required to jointly pay $16,659.93 in restitution.

RELATED: 

Baggage handlers admit to stealing items from passengers’ luggage at Norfolk International Airport