A Transportation Security Administration Security Officer was arrested at Portland International Airport on Friday for allegedly stealing prescription drugs out of a passenger's bag.

Port of Portland spokesperson Steve Johnson said 38-year-old Tuesdea Renee Palmer was arrested around 1:00 p.m. Friday on theft, possession of a controlled substance, and official misconduct charges.

Palmer, a TSA employee since 2002, was accused of stealing medicine out of a Longview, Washington woman's carry-on bag at a security checkpoint, according to TSA Oregon Federal Security Director, Mike Irwin.

Palmer was arrested by Port of Portland Police after the passenger complained.

The 38-year-old was placed on indefinite leave. In a statement to KGW, Irwin said, "The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has zero tolerance for theft in the workplace, and has taken immediate action in this case. TSA's Transportation Security Officers at PDX are outraged by this individual's behavior, and the breach in the oath of office to which they all adhere. The TSA workforce at PDX takes great pride in the outstanding national reputation of their airport, and remains committed to providing the highest levels of security and customer service to the traveling public."

Another TSA spokesperson said the agency performs a 10-year criminal background check and credit check on all potential employees.

The spokesperson said since May 1st, 2003, 170 TSA employees have been terminated for stealing from passengers at airports across the country. She said that number represents less than 1/5th of 1% of the 98,656 security officers employed by the TSA.