LA Airport Workers Accused of Theft

Paris Hilton models on the catwalk at the 2 B Free fashion show at Boulevard3 night club in Los Angeles on Monday, March 19, 2007. The Los Angeles City Attorney's Office announced Thursday March 22, 2007, that they will file theft charges against a group of screeners at Los Angeles International Airport suspected of stealing personal items from celebrities such as Hilton and singer Keyshia Cole and other travelers.(AP Photo/Dan Steinberg) (Dan Steinberg - AP)

LOS ANGELES -- The City Attorney's Office is expected to file misdemeanor theft charges against a group of screeners at Los Angeles International Airport suspected of stealing personal items from celebrities and other travelers.

City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo's office announced Thursday they will file cases against 10 airport employees and one transient. Eight of the accused workers were airport screeners who have been dismissed from their jobs, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The alleged victims include hotel heiress Paris Hilton and singer Keyshia Cole, said Nick Velasquez, a spokesman for the attorney's office. Pilfered items include cartons of cigarettes, watches and jewelry, the newspaper said.

Hilton's publicist, Elliot Mintz, said his client was not aware of the charges and had no comment.

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration, which employs the screeners, played a key role in the investigation. The TSA has been trying to crack down on theft by airport employees, Velasquez told the newspaper.