The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Airport Security Unit launched an investigation after they became aware of suspicious activity that ultimately led to the arrest of a Mary Esther man in connection with items stolen from luggage at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport.

• The 19-year old is an airline subcontractor, and is currently facing two counts of grand theft.

In July, a traveler reported that her luggage, containing items worth more than $1,600, 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 that more than $15,000 dollars in jewelry and other items had been taken from his luggage on 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 the young man yesterday at his home on Kathy Court. They were able to recover the items reported missing August 9th.

• The suspect also admitted rummaging through the first victim’s suitcase and removing an Apple Airtag, according to the OCSO. 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.