Customs Officer Charged with Stealing Cash from Passenger at Naples, Fl Airport

An airline passenger’s criminal complaint against U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBP) William Joseph Timothy (43, Naples) led to federal charges for stealing cash from an international airline passenger at Naples Airport in Collier County, Fla. If convicted, Timothy faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The arrest was announced by U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg

According to court documents, after an international airline passenger reported that more than $2,000 in cash was missing after it had been inspected by a CBP officer at Naples Airport, an investigation was undertaken by agents from CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility. During the investigation, surveillance video was examined which showed Timothy hiding and taking approximately 22 bills of U.S. currency belonging to the airline passenger during a border enforcement examination in May 2023.

A criminal complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case is being investigated by U.S. Customs and Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon R. Eth.

If you believe you have also been a victim of such a theft from the Naples Airport, please contact the CBP Joint Intake Center at (877) 246-8253 or jointintake@cbp.dhs.gov.