Couple Arrested for Stealing Thousands of Bags from Travelers

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Libby Zay
November 3 2009

A couple was arrested last night in connection with the disappearance of thousands of bags from the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport last month.

According to Phoenix's ABC15, Sergeant Tommy Thompson with the Phoenix Police Department said detectives served a search warrant on a Phoenix home and reportedly saw at least a thousand bags inside.

Detective James Holmes with the Phoenix Police Department said the investigation began three weeks ago when a police officer noticed Keith King, 62, taking a piece of luggage off a carousel and saw that he was not coming from a flight.

King was arrested for the theft, and later accused of stealing another bag after police reviewed airport surveillance videos.

This was enough evidence to give police probable cause for a search warrant. As police were attempting to serve the warrant, Keith's wife, 38-year-old Stacy King, allegedly tried to destroy some of the stolen bags. Both suspects were arrested on charges of burglary and tampering with evidence, according to ABC15.

Neighbors of the Kings told ABC15 that "Keith seemed suspicious to them because he would come and go late at night with a horse trailer filled with items, but he never had horses." The couple also hosted garage sales that most likely included the sale of items from stolen luggage.

Detective Holmes said that the recovered items could include baggage that was "lost" at Sky Harbor up to a few years ago. Police have identified some of the theft victims, but the evidence may take a long time to process.

If you believe you might have been a victim, contact CRIMESTOP in Phoenix at 602-262-6151.


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