Port Authority Considers New Airport Security Firm After Newark ID Theft Incident
NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The Port Authority said Tuesday it is considering replacing a security firm after an employee at Newark Liberty Airport was arrested last week for allegedly trying to hide his illegal immigrant status by using a murdered man's ID.
Port Authority Executive Director Patrick Foye said he will solicit proposals for companies to provide security at its facilities, including the airport. He didn't give a timetable for when a decision would be made on whether to keep FJC Security or hire a new company.
Bimbo Oyewole, a longtime security supervisor at the airport, was arrested and charged with ID theft for allegedly using the birth certificate and Social Security number of a man who was murdered in 1992. New York police don't consider Oyewole a suspect in the unsolved murder of Jerry Thomas, who was shot outside a YMCA in Queens.
Police believe Oyewole acquired Thomas' identification documents from a Nigerian cab driver who had bought them from Thomas not long before Thomas' death.
FJC employs between 800 and 1,000 security personnel who work at the New York area's three major airports, as well as bridges, tunnels and the World Trade Center site.
"For now, FJC continues to provide security guard services at our airports, tunnels, bridges and the WTC site," Foye said. "They have told us they intend to compete for the right to provide the services we need to keep our customers, employees and facilities safe and secure."
A spokesman for FJC said the company plans to take steps to ensure it maintains its relationship with the Port Authority.
"We had a productive meeting today where we addressed the Port's legitimate concerns about operations at its facilities," Michael McKeon said Tuesday night. "We believe we have progressive solutions to address those concerns, and look forward to working with the Port to put smart new measures in place."
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