US$300 goes missing at TSA checkpoint at Dallas airport

THE EDITOR, Madam:

On the morning of October 29, a sum of US$300 was allegedly taken from an inner compartment in my black knapsack while it was being checked by two TSA employees at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in Texas.

I had three US$100 banknotes in a JMMB plastic bag as part of my emergency funds.

I realised that the money was missing when I reached for the plastic bag containing the funds to buy a cup of coffee while waiting for American Airlines Flight AA2059, which was boarding at 11:46 a.m. To my surprise, neither the bag nor the money was there.

After telling my host, who took me to the airport, he advised me to report the matter to the supervisor at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint where my knapsack was examined. The supervisor called the police.

The policewoman listened to my account and asked me several questions: “Are you sure you placed the money in your knapsack?” “Could it have fallen out where you were staying?” “Could it have fallen out on your way to the airport?” “Did you leave your bags unattended after leaving the TSA checkpoint?” I answered no to all these questions.

She showed me footage of one of the women checking the knapsack, which didn’t reveal her taking the money. However, it was only a limited portion of the footage and, as such, I don’t deem it to be conclusive and final.

Additionally, the supervisor advised that other travellers have made similar reports of missing funds. Moreover, he said, employees have been caught taking things from people’s baggage.

I don’t know these women. I have no reason whatsoever to attempt to tarnish their reputation. In fact, I believe it is my reputation that is being impugned. My veracity, integrity, and dignity as an honest human being were being placed in jeopardy. This is grossly unfair.

The money is chicken feed, but credibility is priceless. I will not allow this to be taken.

My host checked the guest room and the living room where the knapsack was and didn’t find the money. I had J$37,000 in the outer middle pocket at the front of the knapsack, but it was not touched.

I am calling for a more detailed investigation of what transpired on the day in question.

LINTON HESLOP