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An investigation launched after the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Airport Security Unit became aware of suspicious activity ultimately led to the arrest of a Mary Esther man in connection with items stolen from luggage at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport.
19-year old Giovanni De Luca, an airline subcontractor, currently faces two counts of grand theft.
In July, a traveler reported her luggage, containing items worth more than $1600, had never arrived at her destination. It was listed as lost/stolen. She says an Apple Airtag in her suitcase last showed as active in the area of Kathy Court in Mary Esther.
Another traveler reported more than $15,000 dollars in jewelry and other items had been taken from his luggage August 9th.
During the course of the investigation, deputies had cross-referenced employees who lived in the vicinity of Kathy Court.
OCSO Investigators made consensual contact with De Luca yesterday at his home, 243 Kathy Court. They were able to recover the items reported missing August 9th.
De Luca also admitted rummaging through the first victim’s suitcase and removing an Apple Airtag. Her belongings have not been recovered.
“This arrest is an example of excellent teamwork by our Airport Security Unit, our Investigators, and the Airport to find the person responsible for these thefts and make sure he is held responsible,” said Sheriff Eric Aden.
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