Worker at Destin-Fort Walton Beach airport reportedly took items from luggage

MARY ESTHER, Fla. — A Mary Esther man who reportedly works as an airline subcontractor has been arrested in connection with reports of items stolen from luggage at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office has announced.

An investigation was reportedly launched by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Airport Security Unit that ultimately led to the arrest of Giovanni De Luca, 19, of Mary Esther man, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) said.

De Luca currently faces two counts of grand theft, the OCSO said.

According to the OCSO, in July, a traveler reported her luggage, containing items worth more than $1600, had never arrived at her destination. It was listed as lost/stolen. She said an Apple Airtag in her suitcase last showed as active in the area of Kathy Court in Mary Esther.

Another traveler reported more than $15,000 in jewelry and other items had been taken from his luggage on August 9, the OCSO said.

During the investigation, deputies had cross-referenced employees who lived in the vicinity of Kathy Court.

OCSO Investigators said they made consensual contact with De Luca last week at his home at 243 Kathy Court. They were able to recover the items reported missing on August 9, the OCSO said.

De Luca also allegedly admitted rummaging through the first victim’s suitcase and removing an Apple Airtag. Her belongings have not been recovered, the OCSO said.

“This arrest is an example of excellent teamwork by our Airport Security Unit, our Investigators, and the Airport to find the person responsible for these thefts and make sure he is held responsible,” said Eric Aden, Okaloosa County Sheriff.