An American Airways flight attendant was arrested for secretly recording or making an attempt to file a minor feminine passenger utilizing a bathroom aboard an plane in September 2023.
The attendant can be alleged to have retained recordings of 4 extra minor feminine passengers utilizing bogs aboard the identical plane, the U.S. lawyer’s workplace for the District of Massachusetts mentioned.
Estes Carter Thompson III, 36, of Charlotte, N.C., was charged with one rely of tried sexual exploitation of kids and one rely of possession of kid pornography depicting a prepubescent minor.
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“The deeply disturbing conduct alleged right here is one thing no mum or dad or baby ought to ever have to fret about once they journey. Mr. Thompson allegedly used his place to prey on and surreptitiously file harmless youngsters, together with unaccompanied minors, whereas in a susceptible state aboard flights he was working,” mentioned Performing United States Lawyer Joshua S. Levy.
In line with a felony criticism, Thompson was working as a flight attendant on an American Airways flight to Boston from Charlotte on Sept. 2, 2023.
Earlier than the 14-year-old woman sufferer entered the bathroom, Thompson allegedly instructed her that he wanted to clean his arms and that the bathroom’s bathroom seat was damaged and briefly entered the bathroom.
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It’s alleged that, after Thompson exited the bathroom, the minor entered and observed crimson stickers beneath the raised bathroom seat lid. These stickers indicated, “INOPERATIVE CATERING EQUIPMENT” and “REMOVE FROM SERVICE.” Moreover, “SEAT BROKEN” was handwritten in black ink on one of many stickers.
Thompson purportedly hid his iPhone beneath the crimson stickers, aspiring to file a video. The minor then reportedly used her cellphone to seize a picture of each the crimson stickers and the hid iPhone inside the bathroom earlier than leaving. Thompson then allegedly re-entered the bathroom after her departure.
Upon returning to her seat, the minor briefed her mother and father in regards to the incident and offered them with the captured picture, in response to the U.S. lawyer’s workplace. The sufferer’s mother and father then reported the incident to different flight attendants, who, in flip, alerted the captain. The captain subsequently knowledgeable legislation enforcement on the bottom in regards to the matter.
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In a press release after Thompson’s arrest, American Airways mentioned that it takes “these allegations very significantly,” per a New York Occasions report.
“We now have been totally cooperating with legislation enforcement in its investigation as there’s nothing extra vital than the protection and safety of our clients and group,” the airline added.
If confirmed responsible of tried sexual exploitation of kids, Thompson may very well be sentenced to a most of 30 years in jail. Moreover, a conviction on the kid pornography possession cost might result in imprisonment for as much as 20 years, as acknowledged by prosecutors.
Photograph: Shutterstock
