Airport luggage theft and extortion

State Police in Rochester on Sunday arrested a man for allegedly stealing luggage from the Greater Rochester International Airport and then demanding money for it to be returned.

William R. Merman-Smith, 25, of Greece, New York was charged with grand larceny and extortion.

Police report that Merman-Smith took luggage from the airport on March 15th and 16th and then contacted one of the victims demanding $700.

The victim contacted the State Police and investigators were able to track the suspect through the IP address.

Lawmen confiscated the suspect’s computer and the stolen luggage. All together three people had their luggage stolen.  All three had their luggage returned by State Police.