Police: Airline worker stole cash from Newark passenger

A United Airlines ramp worker has been accused of stealing more than $575 from a passenger's wallet at a Newark airport security checkpoint.

The Star-Ledger of Newark reports the incident occurred Monday when a 57-year-old passenger put his wallet in a plastic tray for screening as he went through security on his way to a gate at Newark's Terminal C. But when the passenger retrieved his wallet on the other side of security, he noticed that $576 in cash was missing, according to NJ.com.

NorthJersey.com says Port Authority police reviewed surveillance footage and identified the 52-year-old ramp worker. The man was arrested and charged with theft.

The New York Post explains the United worker "was ahead of (the passenger) in the security line and allegedly took the cash from the wallet before the victim made it through."

Via a statement, United told the Star-Ledger that it's cooperating with the investigation.

"We hold our employees to the highest standards and have zero tolerance for any theft," the statement reads. "We are assisting the Port Authority Police Department in this investigation and this employee has been held out of service."

As for the aggrieved passenger, it all turned out to be a happy ending. NJ.com writes "the cash was returned to the victim, who was able to board his flight and resume his travel plans on schedule."