Former CBP officer stole cash during border, currency checks: DOJ

A former CBP officer pleaded guilty to stealing thousands in cash
The thefts happened during official border and currency checks
He faces as many as 10 years in federal prison

Updated: Jun 20, 2024 / 03:24 PM CDT

How long will your cash last? (Getty)

(NewsNation) — A former Naples Airport U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer pleaded guilty Tuesday to stealing cash from arriving international airline passengers while on the job.

William Joseph Timothy, 43, of Ave Maria, Florida, faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

Timothy is accused of stealing about $18,700 in cash from airline passengers during 17 incidents between mid-2023 and early 2024, according to a Justice Department news release.

Investigators say he carried out the thefts during border enforcement examinations and currency verifications that were part of his official duties.

Prosecutors cited one alleged instance in May 2023 when Timothy was accused of stealing $2,200 while counting cash during an inspection of someone who landed in the Bahamas, according to NBC News.

Timothy agreed to pay full restitution to the victims and immediately resign from CBP as conditions of his plea deal, according to the release.