Ex-Customs Officer Pleads Guilty to Stealing from Passengers at Airport

Naples, FL - A former U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer has been arrested after admitting to stealing nearly $19,000 from travelers at Naples Airport.

Authorities say 43-year-old William J. Timothy, of Ave Maria, pleaded guilty last week to charges of converting government property.

The thefts occurred during border checks and currency screenings between mid-2023 and early 2024.

CBP launched an internal investigation after a passenger reported missing $2,200 following an interaction with Timothy in May of 2023.

Surveillance footage reportedly captured Timothy taking the cash while counting it, and then hiding it with paperwork.

Timothy was arrested in 2019 on charges of assault and vandalism after allegedly threatening a man and damaging his car.

As part of the plea deal, Timothy agreed to resign from CBP and make full restitution to the victims.

He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

Timothy is awaiting sentencing by U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy R. Rice in Fort Myers.