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Spirit Airlines Gate Workers Charged in Alleged Theft of Passenger’s $500 Louis Vuitton Wristlet

Surveillance footage described in court filings underpins the case, prompting disciplinary leave at the airline.

Overview

  • Authorities identified the suspects as supervisor Olukunle Idowu, 49, and employee Hyacinth Linton, 56, at Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport.
  • The passenger left the wristlet on Oct. 19; CCTV on Oct. 22 allegedly shows Idowu removing and inventorying its contents and Linton placing the empty wristlet in her backpack.
  • Idowu was arrested on Nov. 21 and has pleaded not guilty to petit theft valued between $100 and $750, according to court records.
  • Linton was arrested on Nov. 13, charged with petit theft under $40, and released after posting a $500 bond; she has not yet entered a plea.
  • Spirit says one employee is suspended without pay and the other is on leave while an internal investigation continues, with an initial court hearing set for Jan. 8.