Miami Airport Janitor Arrested for $60,000 Rolex Theft

A janitor at Miami International Airport (MIA) has been arrested after allegedly stealing $60,000 worth of Rolex watches from a passenger. The incident occurred shortly after the traveler had passed through customs on August 22nd, 2024. Surveillance footage reportedly captured the janitor, identified as 57-year-old Alberto Rabanal, taking the passenger's bag to an area out of public view before stealing the valuable items.

Rabanal, who was arrested on August 26th, faces two counts of second-degree grand theft. According to a Miami-Dade Police Department affidavit, the victim had arrived on a flight from Lisbon, Portugal, and was waiting outside Terminal J for a ride-share when they left a duty-free bag containing the Rolex watches unattended. The janitor is seen in the footage taking the bag, removing a sweater concealing the watches, and discarding the bag in a trash can after taking the valuables.

Following an investigation, detectives found the stolen watches at Rabanal's home, leading to his confession. He was subsequently booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. Rabanal could face up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine if convicted. He was granted a $7,500 bond during his court appearance on August 23rd.

This incident is part of a troubling pattern at MIA, where thefts have been reported in the past. Last year, several TSA officers were caught stealing from passengers' bags during security screenings, leading to their arrest and charges of organized scheme to defraud.