NYDaily News reports:
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. Each was held in lieu of $15,000 bail after their arraignment Wednesday night.
“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.
Hot 97 Suspends DJ Cipha Sounds For HIV Comments!
Cipha Sounds gets an indefinite suspension and sensitivity training after his comments about Haitian women and HIV.
New York area radio station WQHT “Hot” 97.1 FM announced DJ Cipha Sounds will be suspended indefinitely for offensive comments he made about Haitian women. Listeners, community leaders and members of the Haitian-American community called for Cipha Sounds termination after a Friday morning broadcast which found Cipha saying, “The reason I’m HIV negative is because I don’t mess with Haitian girls.”
Cipha Sounds, born Luis Diaz, is a 15-year industry veteran with experience in radio, television and behind the turntables with the likes of Lil Kim and Funkmaster Flex. After angry listeners began responding to the remark, Cipha Sounds issued a formal apology.
“I made a stupid, tasteless joke that was a one-liner,” Cipha told listeners. “It was taken totally the wrong way, and I want to say sincerely that I apologize for even saying this thing.”
Adding that he was embarrassed and didn’t want co-host Peter Rosenberg to share any blame for his comments, Cipha pointed to his relief efforts during the Haitian earthquake and his rapport with the Haitian community as evidence of his true feelings. Cipha Sounds will also undergo sensitivity training focused on the Haitian community, and the station announced it will work with community leaders to increase HIV awareness.
“Cipha made an immediate public apology and recognizes his insensitivity and the negative impact his comments have on all Haitians,” said Alex Cameron, SVP/Market Manager of Emmis-New York via written statement. “The Haitian community is an important part of our listenership whom we respect and value. The suspension is an indication of the importance we place on delivering a product that respects our Haitian audience.”
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