CHICAGO , Nov. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- CBS 2 Investigative Reporter Dave Savini's and Producer Michele Youngerman's year-long series and hidden-camera investigation, "Fly At Your Own Risk," has resulted in sweeping arrests and raids and an on-going federal probe. The series of exclusive news reports, which began in February of this year, exposed major security loopholes at O'Hare International Airport. Security breaches uncovered by the 2 Investigators included 3,807 missing airport access security badges; repeated failure to inspect or screen workers with these badges before entering the airport's employee entrance; and workers with criminal histories who were given access to planes.
Savini's and Youngerman's investigation prompted several significant results, the most recent of which are the arrests on Wednesday, November 7 of 23 people working at O'Hare through a local contractor. Authorities say security badges were handed out to illegal immigrants by Ideal Staffing Solutions, a company based in Bensenville, Ill. 106 more individuals are wanted, after they allegedly used phony social security numbers or social security numbers belonging to deceased people to obtain security badges. These security credentials allowed the workers to access secure airport areas, such as the tarmac and planes.
The office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement launched a probe after the initial CBS 2 investigation in February. Another investigation in the Chicago Department of Aviation's Badging Office is underway by Chicago's Inspector General, David Hoffman . U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald launched his own investigation as well.
To watch the story from last night, or any story from the "Fly At Your Own Risk" series visit: http://cbs2chicago.com/specialreports/ohare.security.breaches.2.538484.html
Prior to this week, Savini's and Youngerman's investigation prompted several significant reactions:
-- Congressman Mark Kirk expressed outrage on the floor of the House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. and outlined a plan to take immediate action to make the airports more secure. Kirk also contacted the head of Homeland Security, held meetings with TSA officials and asked for fines to be instituted against companies who fail to collect badges from former employees. (Video of Congressman Kirk's speech is available on cbs2chicago.com: http://cbs2chicago.com/video/[email protected]). -- The CBS 2 investigation and Kirk's meetings with TSA officials resulted in security changes at the airport. Earlier this year, the TSA instituted increased screenings of airport workers with random security checks. -- Dave Savini testified in Springfield in March before the Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Committee to discuss what his ongoing investigation revealed.SOURCE CBS 2 Chicago
