Deputies board commercial plane after Rochester airport security breach as woman faces criminal trespass charge

Rochester, New York – A Rochester woman was charged after authorities said she bypassed airport security procedures at the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport on July 4, leading deputies to board a commercial aircraft as part of their response.

According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, deputies assigned to the airport’s security unit were notified around 2:15 p.m. about a security breach involving an exit door that connects the secure screening area with the baggage claim section.

After receiving the report, deputies worked alongside Airport Communications personnel to review surveillance footage and identify the individual involved in the incident. Investigators later located the woman on a commercial plane parked at Gate A2.

Deputies boarded the aircraft and escorted the passenger off the plane without any reported problems. Authorities said the response was carried out as a precaution to ensure airport safety and address the security concern.

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The woman was identified as 25-year-old Ithalis Justiniano. Officials said she had already completed the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening process before the incident occurred.

According to investigators, Justiniano left the secure area through a designated exit instead of continuing toward her departure gate. When she attempted to return to the secure area through the same exit, airport security personnel informed her that she would need to go back through the TSA checkpoint before entering again.

Authorities said Justiniano later waited for the exit doors to open and then entered the secure area again through the exit, which violated established airport security procedures.

Following the breach, officials took additional safety measures. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said passengers and baggage connected to the aircraft were rescreened as a precaution. The extra screening process resulted in delays for travelers, though officials did not report any further security issues.

Airport security procedures are designed to control movement between public areas and restricted sections of terminals. Officials said the incident was handled quickly after deputies were alerted, allowing them to locate the person involved and complete the necessary response.

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Justiniano was charged with criminal trespass in the third degree, a misdemeanor. After being processed by authorities, she was released with an appearance ticket and is expected to appear in court at a later date.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office did not report any injuries or additional arrests connected to the incident. Officials continue to remind travelers that airport security rules must be followed at all times, including when moving between screening areas, departure gates, and other parts of the terminal.

The incident occurred during the busy July 4 holiday period, when airports across the country typically experience increased passenger traffic. Authorities said the quick response by airport security personnel and deputies helped address the situation while maintaining safety for travelers and airport operations.