Sky Harbor Airport Luggage Thief Pleads Guilty to Theft

One of two people police believe are responsible for systematically stealing thousands of pieces of luggage from baggage carousels at Sky Harbor International Airport last year has pleaded guilty to theft and other charges.Stacy King, 39, admitted to two counts of theft, trafficking in stolen property, and a dangerous drug violation in...

By James King

June 17, 2010

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One of two people police believe are responsible for systematically stealing thousands of pieces of luggage from baggage carousels at Sky Harbor International Airport last year has pleaded guilty to theft and other charges.

Stacy King, 39, admitted to two counts of theft, trafficking in stolen property, and a dangerous drug violation in a Maricopa County Superior Court yesterday.

King and her husband, Keith King, were arrested last November after police at the airport watched the two steal luggage on several occasions.

Police initially arrested Keith King last October after watching him take luggage from the baggage-claim area. He was issued a misdemeanor citation for theft and released. A few days later, he was at it again. Surveillance video showed King in a parking garage before he went into the airport to steal more bags.

Police then got a search warrant for the King's house near 175th and Northern avenues, where they hit the mother lode.

They found more than 1,000 pieces of luggage stacked from floor to ceiling of the Kings' house. Police say a lot of the bags were open and had stuff missing that they think was sold at garage sales.

Keith King faces 44 counts, including charges for theft, burglary, and drugs possession.

Stacy King's sentencing is scheduled for July 19.

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