Full Breakdown
Airplane Cleaner Charged with Theft of Expensive Watch
3/12/2026, 10:45:54 AM
Incident Overview: Theft of Lost Property
Filiki Tiaua, a 26-year-old man from North Salt Lake, has been charged with theft of lost property, a second-degree felony, after allegedly taking an Omega watch valued between $7,000 and $9,000 that was left behind by a passenger on a Delta flight. The incident occurred on November 21 when a passenger realized his watch was missing after deplaning at Salt Lake City International Airport. Despite contacting the flight crew, the watch could not be located.
Investigation and Discovery
Following the report of the missing watch, the serial number was entered into a national database. On February 2, the watch was sold to a pawn shop in North Salt Lake, prompting police involvement when the serial number was flagged. Investigators discovered that Tiaua's brother, who resides with him, sold the watch to the pawn shop. Further inquiries revealed that Tiaua was employed by the cleaning company responsible for maintaining the aircraft from which the watch went missing.
Official Statements & Responses
According to the police booking affidavit, the airplane cleaning company has established "strict and clear rules on turning in lost property." Tiaua reportedly admitted to taking the watch during questioning by law enforcement.
Criticism & Opposition
While the details of the case are still unfolding, there may be concerns regarding the enforcement of lost property protocols within the cleaning company. Critics may argue that the existing policies were not adequately followed, leading to the alleged theft.
Verbatim Quotes
What's Next
Tiaua is scheduled to appear in 3rd District Court to face the charges. The outcome of this case may prompt further scrutiny of lost property handling procedures at airport cleaning companies.
