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36-year-old Sabrina Zotter is facing four counts each of burglary and theft for stealing at least 25 pieces of luggage from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport’s Terminal 4.
Zotter, a Mesa resident, began her crime spree in September 2009 and was under surveillance until police arrested her February 10, 2010.
During a media briefing today, police laid out a timeline covering the investigation. In August 2009, as officers began reviewing airport surveillance video involving a baggage theft suspect, they noticed, in conjunction with their original suspect, two females who appeared to be stealing luggage. The male suspect, Keith King, was identified and arrested by Phoenix police in November 2009.
The investigation continued. Police knew they needed to identify the two women in the King surveillance video.
In late December 2009 while reviewing more surveillance video, police observed the same woman as she removed a piece of red luggage from Terminal 4. She then walked to the parking garage and got into a pickup truck which was later discovered to be a rental. It was both the parking garage surveillance cameras and the license plate readers that enabled police to identify the woman as Sabrina Zotter. Investigators went to her listed address, but she was no longer at that location.
Further investigation led police to Zotter’s current address where they arrested her on February 10, 2010. They discovered 25 pieces of luggage in her home near Ellsworth and Broadway Roads in Mesa.
Deputy Aviation Director Deborah Ostreicher pointed out, “When travelers check their bags with an airline, they are making a contract with that airline.” She pointed out that travelers should always go directly to baggage claim after arriving at their destination. “Do not pack valuables and medications in checked luggage—carry them with you during your flight.”
Police believe two outstanding suspects in the case will soon be in custody.