PenAir Worker Charged With Cargo Theft
Wednesday, May 01 2013
A PenAir employee is facing a felony charge for allegedly stealing packages flown in from Anchorage.
Nasser Gamueda, 23, is a ramp agent for PenAir in Unalaska. He's accused of intercepting a laptop computer that was being shipped to town on a mail or cargo flight.
The person who bought that computer online called public safety when tracking data showed that their package vanished after leaving Anchorage. Director Jamie Sunderland says the computer manufacturer helped investigate.
"Some of the things that eventually helped solve the case were the computer's being used, locally," Sunderland says. "When you activate and register a computer, it identifies itself. Through some search warrants and cooperation with computer companies, we were able to determine who the user was."
Allegedly, it was Gamueda. He's accused of stealing that laptop, and possibly others that were found in his house during a police search.
"Neither of which were reported stolen," Sunderland says. "But we were able to track down five other residents here in town who had ordered new computers and also not received them over the last few months. They just hadn't reported it to the police. They had, instead -- and I think it makes sense -- dealt with the computer companies, saying, 'Hey! My laptop never showed up.'"
Sunderland says anyone who ordered a computer in the last six months and didn't receive it should call public safety.
"Also I guess if anyone has bought a computer from Mr. Gamueda, we would like to know that too. Because it's stolen," Sunderland says. "And that's not right."
Gamueda was arrested Tuesday and released on bail. He's not facing any federal charges at this time.

Sunderland says PenAir staff cooperated with the investigation, but the company wasn’t able to provide anyone to comment on the case.
PenAir Vice President for Compliance and Safety Brian Whilden says the company is taking the case seriously. Gamueda has been suspended without pay until police finish the investigation.
Whilden says Gamueda did pass a criminal background check before being hired.
Morgan Alexander on Saturday, May 04 2013:
God forbid, Sonia,Jessica, and Rebecca be on a juror in a legal proceeding. Their verdict would be GUILTY with out knowing the whole situation. By the way, Rebecca, it is shameful to bring up the 10 commandments when, it is also said, "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour." Practice what you all preach people!
Imagine Dragon on Saturday, May 04 2013:
Don't pass judgement until it is done! Then you can all be holier than thou! Jeez, it's like kettle calling the pot black!
bobbin knob on Thursday, May 02 2013:
you all are judgementive, and ignorent. I beleive there are many factor's and or person's involed.
Unknown on Thursday, May 02 2013:
Innocent until proven guilty. Let's not make a judgement until the case is done. We all dont know the real story behind it. Lets just wait and see what the outcome is.
Rebecca McGuire on Thursday, May 02 2013:
Shameful...just shameful. I think the individuals involved in these two crimes must have forgotten (or maybe they were oblivious to them) the Ten Commandments. "Thou shall not steal".
Jessica Tovale on Thursday, May 02 2013:
Not innocent! This is very sad and I hope pen air does a better check on who they hire to do the job! I'm glad we don't have to worry about our mail! Sad that someone felt the need to steal especially on a small island where you will always get caught!
BrianUnAK on Wednesday, May 01 2013:
Yes innocent until proven guilty. Will be hard to prove that you are innocent if you are using a computer that has been stolen. Either you took it, or, you purchased it from someone who did steal it. The real shame is that between this event and the 3 Anchorage based ACE Air Cargo Employees who were convicted (Probation Sentences only) of stealing $130,000.00 from bank bag shipments... Damages trust in the Air Carriers Employees. If I were the person whom reported this, I would be proud that the system worked and a lost computer / property was found.
Sonia Streitmatter on Wednesday, May 01 2013:
Innocent, my butt! When you're caught red-handed, you're caught red-handed. What can you say?? I'm glad the person that ordered that computer investigated! Now we are ALL saved from worrying about our packages making their way to us. THANK YOU!!! What a shame!
Sunshine530 on Wednesday, May 01 2013:
Innocent until proven guilty