NEW YORK, Jan. 13 Authorities in New York have accused two American Airlines workers at John F. Kennedy International Airport of stealing $235,000 in diamonds.
Cargo handlers Richard Lombardo and Steve Tsihlas were arrested and charged with stealing a package of diamonds insured for $235,000, the New York Post reported Sunday.
After the uncut diamonds went missing Wednesday, police began questioning Lombardo, who allegedly admitted unspecified details about the crime.
Police said Tsihlas was then arrested and he allegedly confessed to taking part in the diamond theft.
Information from those interviews allegedly led police to a staff locker bay at the airport, where the stolen diamonds were found.
The pair are now facing grand larceny charges in relation to the theft and one law enforcement source said their arrest has left other airport employees shocked and disappointed.
"These two have been working together in the same crew for a long time like a family," the anonymous source told the Post. "A lot of people were hurt by this."
Copyright 2008 by UPI
