A Transportation Security Administration employee was caught stealing an I-Pad computer from a suitcase, and Broward Sheriff’s Office detectives say he’s responsible for a string of similar thefts over the past six months.

Nelson Santiago, who worked in Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport’s Terminal 1, which houses Southwest and Continental airlines, was arrested Monday and charged with two counts of grand theft. Santiago, 30, told detectives that he stole electronics such as computers, GPS devices and video cameras from luggage he was screening. He would immediately take a photo of the stolen item with his cell phone, post it for sale online and often sell it by the time his shift ended. Detectives estimate he stole about $50,000 worth of electronics over the past six months, and the vast majority of the items were sold very quickly.

A Continental employee who saw Santiago slip an I-Pad computer out of a suitcase Monday and into his pants confronted Santiago and reported the theft to a Continental supervisor. The supervisor then contacted BSO and the TSA. TSA is cooperating with the investigation.

Santiago was arrested Monday and was released on bond the following day. He has been a TSA officer since January 2009 but no longer works with the agency. BSO’s investigation is ongoing, and additional charges are pending. Detectives are trying to locate possible victims, though most will never recover their property.

Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of theft at the airport can report information to BSO Det. Michael Sweeney at (954) 359-6417 or report information about the investigation anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Broward County at (954) 493-TIPS (8477) or online at www.browardcrimestoppers.org.