2002-18-12 -- Curcio, Nicole A. -- Indictment -- News Release

Woman Charged in Connection with Attempt to Board Airplane While in Possession of a Stun Gun

CAMDEN - A Toms River woman was charged in a federal complaint today in connection with an attempt to board an aircraft with a stun gun in her purse, U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Christie announced.

Nicole A. Curcio, 23, is charged with attempting to get on an aircraft, intended for operation in air transportation, carrying a concealed dangerous weapon that would have been accessible to her in flight.

According to the complaint, on Nov. 30, Curcio - who possessed a round trip ticket from New Jersey to Tampa, Fla. - had gone through the screening area at the Atlantic City International Airport in Egg Harbor Township. Only ticketed passengers for flights departing that day were permitted to pass through the screening area.

The defendant had come through the screening area with a purse, when an airport screener examining the bag became concerned over an item inside, according to the complaint. The purse was promptly removed and its contents examined more closely. The defendant's purse was allegedly found to contain a Panther Stun Gun, which the defendant was not authorized to carry, and furthermore, is a prohibited weapon in the State of New Jersey. The defendant was detained by airport security and arrested by Egg Harbor Township Police.

A federal investigation followed and resulted in today's charges. Currently, there is no evidence that Curcio intended harm to the aircraft or fellow passengers.

Christie credited Special Agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Louie F. Allen, Egg Harbor Township Police under the direction of Chief John J. Coyle, and the Atlantic City International Airport Security.

The Government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas DiLeonardo of the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney's Office in Camden.

A criminal complaint is only an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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Defense Counsel: Ralph Ferrara, Esq. Cherry Hill