Employee sentenced to probation after baggage theft at Fort Lauderdale airport

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Broward County Judge Michael Usan sentenced 29-year-old Junior Bazile to two years’ probation following his arrest for grand theft.

Bazile, an airport worker, was filmed grabbing electronics from a Spirit Airlines passenger’s suitcase in the back of a store where he worked at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

Local 10 investigator Jeff Weinsier obtained video and images of the theft and described the incident in a story in July.

The case came to light after Paola Garcia, a college student traveling on Spirit Airlines, discovered her luggage was missing upon arrival at FLL. Concerned for her belongings and academic materials, Garcia said she waited anxiously at the baggage claim for nearly two hours.

She noted, “In my mind, I think I need my computer because I’m going to college…I need my computer no matter what,” Garcia told Weinsier in July.

Garcia, who reluctantly checked her pink hard-shell suitcase, was assured by Spirit Airlines staff that her luggage would be delivered to her home. But the next morning, her Apple Watch – which had been in the suitcase – started beeping from a nearby home in Fort Lauderdale.

Based on this signal, Garcia located the house and upon arrival saw several suitcases lying around. She immediately began recording video evidence and called the police.

The investigation traced the address to Bazile, who worked for a company that operates stores at the airport.

Surveillance footage reportedly showed Bazile going through Garcia’s suitcase and removing several valuables, including a MacBook, two Apple Watches, an iPad and various jewelry. When Bazile was questioned by police, he had already thrown away 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 irritated during the interview and physically hit Weinsier, who later chose not to press charges.

In response to the theft, Spirit Airlines gave Garcia a refund check for the stolen items.