United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced that William Joseph Timothy (43, Ave Maria), a former Naples Airport U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer, today pleaded guilty to stealing cash from arriving international airline passengers during the course of his official duties. Timothy faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the US Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, between mid-2023 and early-2024, Timothy stole approximately $18,700 in cash from airline passengers during 17 incidents of theft uncovered by CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility investigators. Evidence collected during the investigation showed that Timothy was surreptitiously stealing cash from arriving international passengers during border enforcement examinations and currency verifications performed as part of his official duties as an assigned CBP Officer at Naples Airport.

As part of his plea agreement, Timothy has agreed to pay full restitution to the victims of his thefts, and he has further agreed to immediately resign from his employment with CBP. 

This case was investigated by U.S. Customs and Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon R. Eth.