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Miami, FL - A South Florida man was convicted earlier this week for allegedly booking more than 120 free flights by pretending to be airline staff.
According to NBC Miami, A federal jury in Miami found 35-year-old Tiron Alexander guilty on June 5th of wire fraud and gaining access to secure airport zones under false pretenses.
Prosecutors say beginning in 2018, Alexander used an airline employee flight reservation site designed for pilots and flight attendants to obtain free passage.
He allegedly posed as a flight attendant with seven different airlines over a six-year span, submitting approximately 30 badge numbers and falsified hire dates.
Evidence at trial showed Alexander flew on 34 free flights with one carrier.
He is also alleged to have used similar tactics to secure dozens more flights on three additional airlines.
In total, his unlawful travel spanned from 2018 through 2024.
The Transportation Security Administration led the investigation, with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida announcing the verdict.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Shepherd, Zachary Keller, and Andres Chinchilla prosecuted the case.
Alexander now faces sentencing on August 25 before U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Becerra.
Federal guidelines suggest he could receive up to 30 years in prison, though the exact term will depend on various legal factors.
This case has raised questions about the security of employee reservation systems at airlines.
The TSA and U.S. Attorney’s Office note the need for improved safeguards to prevent similar schemes.