ST. MARY'S COUNTY TRAVEL AGENCY OWNER CHARGED WITH THEFT FOR STEALING FROM AIRLINES

Attorney General J. Joseph Curran, Jr. announced today the indictment of Emad Emile Dides, of 1396 Gregg Drive, Lusby, Maryland by the St. Mary's County Grand Jury. Dides, 44, was indicted on 16 counts of felony theft in connection with his operation of multiple travel agencies doing business as One World Travel, Inc., formerly located at 22741 Three Notch Road, in the Hickory Hill Shopping Center in California, Maryland.

It is alleged that between June 1998 and December 3, 1999, Dides stole from various airlines by selling airline tickets to fictitious customers, then having the airline refund that money, but keeping a commission of 100 percent or more, or by obtaining and using airline tickets for himself and family members that were not reported to the airlines. The schemes yielded approximately $111,205.75, which he converted to his own personal and business use. Dides is currently being held on $750,000 bond.

If convicted the maximum penalty for each count of felony theft is 15 years and up to a $1,000.00 fine. The case was investigated by the Maryland State Police and is being prosecuted by the Office of the Attorney General, Criminal Investigations Division.

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