Former TSA officer at Orlando International sentenced for theft of public money

FLORIDA – A former Federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer has been sentenced to prison for the theft of public money related to unemployment insurance benefits he received while working for the TSA.

Louis Paiva, Jr., 29, formerly of Orlando and now living in Dearborn, Michigan, was sentenced to six months in federal prison after having pleaded guilty to one count of theft of public money. Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentence.

“The theft of any amount of taxpayer funds is inexcusable, especially when the public trust is violation by a government employee,” said Coody.

“Today’s sentence both punishes the defendant’s criminal conduct and should serve as a significant deterrent to others who would steal from their fellow citizens to unlawfully enrich themselves. With our law enforcement partners, we remain committed to investigating and prosecuting those who engage in acts of covid-related fraud.”

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of Inspector General (OIG) COVID Fraud Unit conducted an investigation focused on identifying DHS employees who had received Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits while also being paid by DHS.

The investigation revealed that between March 15, 2020, and March 8, 2021, a total of $16,435.00 in UI assistance (including COVID-19 pandemic relief benefits) was deposited into a bank account that Paiva used, said the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida (USAO).

During this timeframe, Paiva reportedly worked as a Transportation Security Officer for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at Orlando International Airport in Orlando.

Records obtained from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (FL-DEO), which administered the UI program in Florida, revealed that Paiva submitted approximately 24 applications and recertifications to FL-DEO in which he falsely stated that he was not a federal civilian employee or that he did not work or earn money during the applicable timeframes, the USAO said.

“Federal employees are entrusted to protect the integrity of our programs,” said DHS Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari.

“Today’s sentencing sends a clear message that those who betray that trust will be held accountable for their actions.”

Paiva’s prison sentence will be followed by two years of supervised release. The Court also ordered Paiva to pay $16,435.00 in restitution to the FL-DEO.

This conviction was the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Department of Homeland Security-Office of Inspector General and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen prosecuted the case.