Ex-Avis employee wanted for allegedly stealing 47 rental cars from NY airport, renting them out
Police are searching for a former airport car rental employee accused of masterminding the theft of 47 vehicles valued at more than $1 million from the Avis Budget lot at Syracuse Hancock International Airport, authorities announced Friday.
The suspect, 31-year-old Milton Thompson III, is wanted on grand larceny and scheme to defraud charges, according to the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority Police Department.
Investigators say Thompson, a former Avis Budget employee, allegedly used his inside access to remove vehicles from the airport lot over a two-month period between June and August. He is accused of leading a network that rented the stolen cars out at other locations across Onondaga County.
The thefts came to light after Avis Budget reported dozens of missing vehicles earlier this year. Authorities said 42 of the 47 vehicles have since been recovered, but Thompson and several cars remain unaccounted for.
Police have not disclosed exactly how the thefts were carried out or how long the operation went unnoticed. Several other individuals have already been arrested and charged in connection with the scheme.
According to the Associated Press, investigators believe Thompson used employee privileges to access, remove, and then re-rent the vehicles through unofficial channels.
The Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office is assisting airport police in preparing formal charges.
Thompson is described as a 31-year-old Black male, formerly employed by Avis Budget Car Rental. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority Police Department at 315-455-3500 or by email at PD_Supervisor@sraapd.org
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