Have you ever flown across the country only to lose your bags? Or even worse, have you received your bags but noticed some things were missing from inside? Despite the fact that the airline industry has made billions over the past year in baggage fees, they still can’t guarantee our bags will arrive safely, particularly when handlers are helping themselves to the contents.
A former Northwest Airlines employee has pled guilty in Multnomah Court to stealing out of people’s luggage while he was on the job. According to The Oregonian, 46 year old Jose Trejo Romero of Vancouver stole thousands of dollars in property from bags while he worked as a baggage handler.
Apparently, Romero would remove the baggage from the work area and into the break room before removing items from the bags, concealing them in his clothing, and later taking them to his locker. He even shared the wealth, passing the stolen goods to some of his fellow coworkers.
In a plea agreement, Romero pled guilty to aggravated theft and first degree theft. Under the agreement, he could be sentenced to as much as 18 months in prison.
Under Oregon theft laws, the sentence you receive for theft depends on the amount of items, money, or services you stole. First degree theft is considered a Class C felony while aggravated theft is a Class B felony, both carrying several years in prison as a potential sentence.
Romero obviously avoided the multiple years in prison by agreeing to plead guilty to the charges. A plea agreement is just that, one where the defendant agrees to plead guilty to charges in exchange for a reduced sentence or other incentive.
Romero’s sentencing has been delayed to allow his family to find work however. Because he was the only one working in a 8 person household, his immediate sentencing would have put unnecessary hardship on his wife and children. Although the judge agreed to the delay, he didn’t do so without showing his disdain, complaining that the hardship was Romero’s fault.
If you are facing theft charges or any other serious criminal charges, you have potentially put your family in a difficult situation as well. You aren’t the only one worried about your sentence and we know you want all the help you can get in ensuring a positive outcome in court.
Having handled many theft cases in local courtrooms, I am confident that I can handle yours. Contact me immediately to discuss the details of your case.