Charges Dropped After Newark Airport Bomb Alert: Attorney

NEWARK, NJ — Essex County prosecutors have dropped their charges against a man who tried to transport a device mistakenly identified as a potential “bomb” through a checkpoint at Newark Airport earlier this month, his attorneys say.

Alon Feldman, 50, a resident of Israel, was charged with creating a false public alarm and interference with transportation after officers found what appeared to be a replica explosive in his carry-on luggage when he traveled through Newark Airport from Tel Aviv on Sept. 4.

The third level of Terminal C was shut down during the incident, but resumed normal operations soon afterwards, Port Authority officials said.

“Security is no joke,” the TSA wrote on Twitter following Feldman’s arrest.

• See related article: Replica Explosive Device Set Off Warning Bells at Newark Airport

Last week, Feldman’s attorneys said that the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office has dismissed all charges against the Israel resident.

According to the law firm of Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi:

“Mr. Feldman serves as Vice President of Sales for a company that designs and manufactures portable X-ray inspection systems and had the device with him for a sales demonstration with a branch of the United States military that he was traveling to… As we said from the outset of this matter, Alon Feldman is a legitimate businessman who committed no crime. We were confident that once the Prosecutor’s Office had time to review the facts and circumstances of the event, it would come to the same conclusion… We thank the Prosecutor’s Office for its quick investigation and dismissal of the case. Mr. Feldman has now returned home and will continue to pursue his business of helping countries, including the United States, remain safe.”

Feldman isn’t the only traveler passing through Newark Airport to recently have charges dropped after a false bomb alert.

In April, prosecutors dropped charges against nine cast and crew members of the reality television show "Staten Island Hustle,” three months after they were arrested with a suspected bomb at Newark Airport.

"As part of an episode of the show, the men tried to bring a device - originally misinterpreted as being a bomb - through the x-ray screening at Newark Liberty International Airport," the Essex County Prosecutor's Office stated.

The item – which was placed inside a carry-on bag – resembled an explosive device. It was later found to not be a threat, police said.

• See related article: 'Staten Island Hustle' Charges Dropped; Newark 'Bomb' Arrest

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