18 hours prior, the son of famed actress Cybill Sheperd was accused of stealing from two passengers aboard a United Airways flight from San Francisco to Philadelphia as he headed back to school at the University of Pennsylvania, when passengers noticed their items missing. The witnesses recounted what they saw.
"Witnesses recalled seeing the defendant going through bags not realizing that they weren't his," said Lt. Frank Vanore.
A digital camera, cash, and a leather makeup case were among the items police believe Sheperd-Oppenheim lifted from the women behind him and next to him. A camera belonging to a victim was found at his seat, and other items stuffed in the trash can of the plane's lavatory.
Police say immigration forms and cash matching the denominations belonging to one victim were later found in the holding cell where Sheperd-Oppenheim was taken after landing at Philadelphia International Airport.
Now back on campus after winter break, we're told the college junior will have his court appearance early next month. Not for his pre-law studies, but for the two counts of theft he's facing- both misdemeanor charges.
Charges his lawyer points out while not to be taken lightly, are minor and they'll aggressively fight- adding the young man's record is clean.
Police say Sheperd- Oppenheim was cooperative and there's no indication he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the alleged thefts.
