NEW YORK – An American Airlines flight attendant has been arrested after 700 pounds of coins intended for UNICEF were found in his car at Kennedy International Airport.

A spokesman for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department said Wednesday 56-year-old Marco Costa was arrested Jan. 31 on possession of stolen property and other charges.

Joe Pentangelo says the Miami, Florida, man collected $2,900 in Euros, $1,800 in British pounds and $150 in U.S. coins from passengers as part of a charitable partnership with the United Nations children’s agency.

He says bags holding the money in a car sagging low to the ground with expired plates were found in October.

UNICEF and the law group representing Costa didn’t return messages.

A spokeswoman says the airline is working with investigators.