TSA disciplines workers unevenly, report says TSA agents were accused of taking bribes from drug traffickers in Los Angeles last year. Another officer, later fired, was shown on ABC News denying that he had a stolen iPad when its alarm was beeping inside his house. As of September, the agency had fired 381 employees for stealing since 2003. "TSA plays fast and loose with its use of recommended penalties for misconduct," Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.), chairman of the Oversight committee on management efficiency, said in a statement. These findings show why many Americans have lost respect for the agency protecting our airports. The agency has stopped short of suspending or firing agents caught sleeping, Duncan said. TSA also has limited punishment of some officers accused of stealing to a letter of reprimand, he said. The agency also is failing to review cases of alleged serious misconduct, including allowing people to bypass screening, the GAO said. TSA has processed 56 cases alleging theft since 2010, the GAO said. That included a 2011 incident involving a screener at Orlando International Airport who pleaded guilty to stealing more than 80 laptops and other electronic devices valued at $80,000, the agency said. From 2011 through June, TSA's appeals board reduced or overturned 125 of 836 disciplinary cases because charges hadn't been proved by a preponderance of the evidence. In 34 of those cases, the agency's adjudicating officer hadn't considered mitigating factors, the GAO said. About one-third of allegations made against TSA employees in 9,622 cases investigated between 2010 and 2012 involved attendance and leave issues, such as unexcused absences or tardiness, the GAO said. There were 426 cases of neglect of duty and 384 cases of ethical violations such as bribery and credit-card abuse. Asked about reports of theft last year, TSA Administrator John S. Pistole said the agency uses closed-circuit cameras in checked-baggage areas to deter stealing and to rebut false accusations. In cases where the video shows that thefts occurred, the agency fires the individuals and seeks criminal prosecutions, he said. TSA spokesman David Castelveter said he couldn't comment on the report or the lawmakers" comments. More than a decade into its history, TSA isn't ensuring employee misconduct cases are being handled consistently and fairly, said Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.). "Failing to do so leaves TSA vulnerable to claims that punishment for misconduct could be tainted by influences beyond the facts," he said in a statement.