Woodbridge TSA Agent Pleads Guilty to Stealing from Passengers

Toni Raimi was nervous but giddy as she steered the white SUV to her New Street home. She was running late to meet a volunteer from an animal-rescue group who was waiting on Raimi's front lawn with Pistachio, the Heinz 57-variety mutt that would be moving in with Raimi and her husband, Al.

It appears Toni Raimi might need some company since she'd just returned from watching her husband, a lead Transportation Security Agency officer at Newark Liberty International Airport, plead guilty to stealing between $10,000 and $30,000 from unsuspecting travelers he was running through the B-3 security checkpoint at Terminal B at the airport.

Al Raimi entered the plea before U.S. District Judge Jose L. Linares in Newark. According to charges filed by the U.S. Attorney's office, the 29-year-old Raimi would swipe cash from the travelers and "kick up" a portion of his ill-gotten gains to Michael Arato, his TSA supervisor, in exchange for Arato turning a blind eye to the scam. 

Raimi admitted to starting stealing from passengers in October 2009 and continuing until September 8, 2010, when passengers complained about losing money as they proceeded through the checkpoint. He eventually was caught in the act by undercover agents who recorded Raimi's his actions on videotape.

Earlier this month, Arato pleaded guilty before Judge Linares to accepting bribes and kickbacks from Raimi for not reporting him to supervisors and other law-enforcement officers. He also admitted to stealing from passengers.

Raimi, who fancied himself as a budding real-estate mogul,  posted online ads on several sites for the $950 rental "cottage" behind his New Street building. In the ad, he asked for a month-and-a-half security deposit for the cottage at a "premiere location" that would "go fast," and that he had a waiting list into next year for his properties, including one in Plainfield.

Raimi initially posted a phone number as the contact for the apartment rental. After his arrest by the feds, Toni Raimi was listed as the contact for potential apartment renters. He now faces a maximum sentence of of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Toni Raimi refused comment when asked by a reporter about the 10 years in prison and $250,000 fine her husband is facing at his June 6 sentencing. He remains free on $100,000 bond until his sentencing.

Arato, who lives in Ewing, is scheduled to be sentenced on May 24.

"I don't know about this," the shelter volunteer said as Mrs. Raimi petted Pistachio on the front lawn. "I don't know if leaving a dog here is such a good idea." Al was nowhere to be found and Toni cooed cheerily and told the volunteer that everything was going to be fine. And as they entered the home, Toni snuggled with Pistachio, who followed obediently behind.