Baggage Handler Mark Hunter Sentenced for Stealing Firearms

ST. LOUIS – A former baggage handler for Southwest Airlines, Mark Hunter of St. Louis, Missouri, has been sentenced to six months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for his role in a brazen theft of firearms from checked luggage at Lambert Airport.

Hunter appeared before United States District Court Judge Stephen R. Clark and entered a guilty plea for knowingly possessing or receiving stolen firearms. The crime spree, which came to light when the Manchester Police Department recovered a stolen pistol from Hunter’s possession on September 25, 2020, has since been linked to seven similar thefts of firearms from Southwest Airlines luggage checked through Lambert Airport between March 28, 2020, and August 22, 2020.

According to court documents, the investigation was sparked by a passenger whose firearm had been stolen out of his luggage while traveling on a Southwest Airlines flight. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Transportation Security Administration (TSA) led an extensive probe that included reviewing scheduling records of Southwest Airlines baggage employees and the dates of the thefts.

Records pointed directly at Hunter, who was working as a baggage handler for Southwest Airlines at the time of the thefts. The investigation revealed that Hunter had access to luggage from which several guns had been reported stolen. Following questioning by federal agents, Hunter confessed to stealing five firearms from checked luggage he handled at St. Louis Lambert Airport.

This case has been a joint effort between the Manchester Police Department, ATF, and TSA, who have worked tirelessly to bring justice to victims of this firearm theft ring.

As a result of his actions, Hunter faces serious consequences and must now serve time for his crime, serving as a stark reminder of the security risks associated with airline baggage handling and the importance of robust law enforcement efforts.

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