Customs Border Protection (CBP) employee admits to pocketing over $18,000 in currency from travelers at the Naples, Florida, airport.
John Thomas Edward, age 43, pilfered about $18,700 in cash from travelers in 17 distinct incidents from May 2023 to January 2024, as documented in the plea agreement for this case.
The CBP Office of Professional Responsibility's investigation, which involved the analysis of surveillance footage, uncovered that Edward was slyly swiping cash from travelers during border checks and currency verifications, duties he was performing as part of his job.
In one specific occurrence detailed in the plea agreement, Edward was performing a currency check on a traveler who had just entered the United States from the Bahamas, when, while counting the American money, he secretly set aside and absconded with around $2,200 of the traveler's funds.
Edward agreed to repay his victims in full and to promptly depart from CBP as part of his plea agreement.
When contacted for comment, Naples Airport directed CNN to US Customs and Border Protection. CNN has attempted to reach CBP.
"Mr. Edward feels regretful and has taken responsibility for his actions. Any additional comments will be more suited for sentencing," his lawyer, Douglas Molloy, informed CNN.
Edward faces a potential sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison, as stated by the US Attorney’s office. A sentencing date has yet to be determined.
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