FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Broward County Judge Michael Usan sentenced 29-year-old Junior Bazile to two years of probation following his arrest for grand theft.
Bazile, an airport employee, was filmed taking electronics from a Spirit Airlines passenger’s suitcase in the back of a retail store where he worked at Fort Lauderdale- Hollywood International Airport.
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Local 10 Investigator Jeff Weinsier obtained video and pictures of the theft and featured the incident in a story in July.
The case unfolded after Paola Garcia, a university student traveling with Spirit Airlines, discovered her luggage was missing upon arrival at FLL. Concerned for her belongings and academic materials, Garcia recounted anxiously waiting by the baggage carousel for nearly two hours.
She noted, “In my mind, I’m thinking I need my computer because I go to the university ... I need my computer no matter what,” Garcia told Weinsier back in July.
Garcia, who had checked her pink hard-shell suitcase reluctantly, was assured by Spirit Airlines staff that her luggage would be delivered to her home. However, the next morning, her Apple Watch — which had been inside the suitcase — began pinging from a nearby house in Fort Lauderdale.
Acting on this signal, Garcia located the house and, upon arrival, saw multiple suitcases strewn about. She immediately began recording video evidence and called the police.
The investigation traced the address to Bazile, who worked for a company that operates retail stores inside the airport.
Surveillance footage reportedly showed Bazile rifling through Garcia’s suitcase and removing several valuable items, including a MacBook, two Apple Watches, an iPad, and various pieces of jewelry. When questioned by police, Bazile had already disposed of the stolen items, authorities said.
In an unexpected encounter, Weinsier visited the house to investigate. Bazile was not present, but Weinsier spoke with his mother. Initially cooperative, Bazile’s mother became agitated during the interview and physically struck Weinsier, who later opted not to press charges.
In response to the theft, Spirit Airlines issued Garcia a reimbursement check for the stolen items.