SFO baggage handler accused of stealing due back in court

SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (KGO) -- A baggage handler charged with stealing items from passenger's checked luggage at San Francisco International Airport is due back in court Thursday.

George Reyes, 45, was a baggage handler for United Airlines.

The San Mateo County District Attorney's Office says an investigation was launched in March after United received more than 50 complaints from passengers that property was stolen from their luggage.

In a sting operation, police placed GPS tracking devices on iPads and purses and put the decoy items in checked luggage, according to the district attorney's office. The items were taken from the luggage, and the GPS devices tracked the stolen goods to Reyes' car as he drove home from work, district attorney's officials said. Prosecutors said a subsequent search of Reyes' home turned up more stolen property.

He was arrested in May.

Thursday's hearing may result in setting a new date for a preliminary hearing.

Bay City News contributed to this report.

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san francisco international airport, redwood city, san mateo county, crime, iPad, SFPD, travel, peninsula news

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