Greenville Man Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison for Airport Heist and Theft of $40,000 in Equipment

Greenville Man Sentenced to 13 Years for Airport Heist

A 37-year-old man from Greenville, South Carolina, was sentenced to 13 years in prison after using a plane as a getaway vehicle following a series of thefts at the Rock Hill/York County airport. Nathaniel John Jenkins faced a three-day trial in York County, where he was convicted of 13 charges, including burglary, larceny, illegally entering a plane, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Thefts at the Airport

The crimes occurred during the nights of November and December 2023. Prosecutors Heather Burdette and Chris Epting explained that Jenkins landed a small aircraft at the airport and stole approximately $40,000 worth of airplane electronics, equipment, and fuel before making his escape. The stolen items have yet to be recovered.

Impact on Airport Security

As a direct consequence of Jenkins’ actions, security protocols at the York County airport have been enhanced to prevent future incidents. “He shattered the sense of security at the airport where before they always felt safe,” Burdette said after the trial, stressing the impact of Jenkins’ crimes not only on the airport but also on the local community.

Jenkins’ Criminal History

Jenkins has a history of property crimes and currently faces theft charges in multiple jurisdictions, indicating a pattern of illegal behavior. After his arrest in January, a judge imposed a hefty bail of $420,000, calling Jenkins “literally a flight risk” due to the nature of the crimes committed.

Appeal and Co-defendant

Following the conviction, Jenkins’ lawyer, Fred Davis from the York County Public Defender’s Office, announced plans to appeal the jury’s decision, stating, “We respect the jury’s decision but disagree with it.” Additionally, charges against a juvenile co-defendant linked to Jenkins’ case remain pending.

Time Served

Jenkins received credit for 317 days he has spent in jail since his arrest, which will count toward his sentence. Prosecutors noted that the severe nature of Jenkins’ actions and his previous criminal history contributed to the lengthy prison term.

The conclusions drawn from this case highlight ongoing concerns about airport security and the potential dangers posed by individuals willing to disregard safety measures for personal gain. Local authorities are continuing their efforts to bolster security and prevent similar crimes in the future.