A baggage handler employed at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has been charged with the theft of ‘numerous’ guns from passenger bags at the airport.
The Department of Justice alleges 25-year old Ja’Quan Johnson of Austin exchanged some of the guns for marijuana.
Austin Police department said it had recovered seven of the stolen guns and made two further arrests during their investigations.
Johnson faces up to 10 years in prison for each theft.
He was charged with multiple counts of theft from an interstate shipment and possession of stolen firearms, which authorities say took place between November 29, 2016 and February 2 this year.
The FBI, TSA and police investigation is still ongoing as Johnson made his first appearance before a federal judge this week.
