Orlando airport worker found purse on tram, used traveler’s credit cards for ‘shopping spree,’ cops say

A worker at Orlando International Airport who found a traveler’s lost purse on a tram used the credit cards inside to go on a “shopping spree” — spending nearly $3,000 on everything from shoes to video game consoles, according to police.

The worker, 32-year-old Leslie Marie Garcia, was arrested Thursday on charges of fraudulent use of credit cards, unlawful use of stolen credit cards, identity theft and larceny, records show.

Police said the victim, who was on her way to a departing flight, took an automated tram to her terminal about 5 p.m. Aug. 1, accidentally leaving behind her purse, which held four credit cards and a gold bracelet.

About two hours later, she got a notification that one of her cards had been used without her permission: a charge of $426.51 at Walmart.

It was only the beginning.

The woman would soon discover than another of her cards had been used five times within three hours: $494.87 at Ross, $376.91 at Famous Footwear, $44.73 at New China Restaurant, $276.88 at a GameStop and $108.97 at Wawa. The charges continued the following day, including two more GameStop purchases totaling $763.15, plus $26.05 at Dunkin’ and $242.24 at Marshalls.

According to an arrest report, the purchases ranged from school supplies, to clothing, food, shoes and video games — including an Xbox and a Nintendo Switch.

The grand total: $2,796.89.

An additional charge for $128.70 at Panera Bread was declined twice, police said.

According to the report, Garcia was recorded by surveillance cameras at five stores wearing her uniform, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority badge and a Delta Airlines lanyard.

When interviewed by detectives, she admitted finding and using the cards, police said.

In addition to being arrested, she was trespassed from the airport.

According to her arrest report, Garcia worked as a hostess.

In a statement, spokesman Cory Burkarth said Garcia’s arrest shows Orlando police “will vigorously and thoroughly investigate these types of crimes.”

“The suspect had the perfect opportunity to do the right and be a hero in this case,” Burkarth said. “Instead, she chose to enrich herself… and now she’s looking at having a criminal record for the rest of her life and that’s something that will follow her on every job application and background check. … If you find a wallet, bag, purse, or other item that isn’t yours, do the right [thing] and turn it in.”

Garcia was booked into the Orange County Jail and has since been released. No phone number was listed for her in arrest paperwork.

jeweiner@orlandosentinel.com