Deputies Charge Woman After Bypassing Airport Security Procedures
On July 4th, 2026 at 2:12 p.m., Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputies assigned to the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport Security Unit (ASU) were alerted to a security breach at a designated exit leading from the secure screening area to baggage claim.
Working in coordination with Airport Communications, deputies reviewed surveillance footage to identify and track the individual involved. Deputies located the individual on a commercial aircraft at Gate A2, boarded the plane, and safely escorted her from the aircraft without incident.
The investigation determined that Ithalis Justiniano previously completed Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening but exited the secure area through a designated exit rather than proceeding to her assigned departure gate. When Justiniano attempted to reenter the secure area through the same exit, personnel from VMD, the airport’s contracted security provider, advised her that she was required to return through the TSA screening checkpoint.
Despite being informed of the proper procedure, Justiniano waited for the exit doors to open and then reentered the secure area through the exit in violation of airport security protocols.
Out an abundance of caution, passengers and baggage associated with the aircraft were rescreened to ensure the continued safety of everyone on board.
Ithalis Justiniano, 25, of Rochester, is charged with:
- Criminal Trespass in the Third Degree (Class B-Misdemeanor)
Justiniano was processed at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office C-Zone substation and released with an appearance ticket to appear in court at a later date.
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Deputy David Marcucci
Public Information Officer
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office
MCSOCommunications@monroecounty.gov
(585) 753-4840