JFK Chanel, Gucci heist accomplice pleads guilty

A Manhattan man pleaded guilty to his involvement in a heist last year at JFK. Photo courtesy of QDA

By Rachel Vick

A man pleaded guilty to charges for his involvement in a designer clothing cargo heist at John F. Kennedy Airport last year, Queens District Attorney Malinda Katz announced this week.

Manhattan resident David Lacarriere, 34, was charged with criminal possession of stolen property in the first degree after being caught with thousands of Gucci and Chanel items worth $2.5 million — only a portion of the more than $4 million in gear taken from a warehouse at the airport.

“Our airports must be safe for travelers. JFK Airport, an international trade hub, must also be secure for companies that transport vital air cargo to our region - especially during the height of this healthcare pandemic - when our City relied on air cargo for food and medical supplies,” Katz said.

Lacarriere was allegedly part of a crew that gained access to the warehouse in May of 2020 using forged air cargo shipment receipts and impersonating a truck driver to get onto the grounds.

Designer jewelry, bags, clothing, sneakers and other accessories in the shipment were carted off site. Port Authority police found the container in Maspeth more than a week later, which contained only shipping pallets, wrapping material and display cases doused in bleach.

Police recovered more than 3,000 authentic Gucci items and 1,000 Chanel items from Lacarriere’s home after executing a search warrant. He returns to court for sentencing on Oct. 26 and faces 5 and a half to 11 years in prison.

He had previously pleaded not guilty.

After the breach, the Port Authority and the Transportation Security Administration worked to update security including barriers limiting access of unauthorized individuals at JFK.

“We are glad to have taken this individual out of the cargo theft trucking business and will use every resource to bring those responsible to justice,” said Chief Security Officer John Bilich. “The safety and security of passengers and cargo at our airports is of paramount concern.”