In a recent incident at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix, 19-year-old Ma’Kiah Cherae Coleman has been indicted on six counts, including assault on Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers and interference with Airport Security Screening Personnel. The indictment alleges that Coleman physically assaulted two TSA officers, including grabbing one officer by the hair and hitting their head multiple times. Each conviction for assault on a federal officer carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, along with fines and supervised release. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Glenn McCormick of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Arizona.
Title: 19-Year-Old Woman Faces Charges for Assaulting TSA Officers
Introduction
In a recent incident at Sky Harbor International Airport, a 19-year-old woman named Ma’Kiah Cherae Coleman has been indicted by a grand jury on charges of assaulting Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers. This article will provide an overview of the allegations against Coleman, the injuries inflicted on the TSA officers, the charges and penalties she faces, her presumption of innocence, and the details of her release and upcoming trial. Additionally, we will discuss the agencies involved in the investigation and prosecution of this case, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Phoenix Police Department.
Background Information
Ma’Kiah Cherae Coleman Indicted by Grand Jury
On May 17, 2023, a federal grand jury in Phoenix indicted Ma’Kiah Cherae Coleman, a 19-year-old resident of Glendale, Arizona, on six counts related to the assault of TSA officers and interference with airport security screening personnel. The charges stem from an incident that occurred on April 25, 2023, at Security Checkpoint D of Terminal 4 at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix, Arizona. Coleman’s indictment signifies the initiation of criminal proceedings against her.
Allegations
Details of the Incident at Sky Harbor International Airport
According to the indictment, at approximately 6:00 a.m. on April 25, 2023, Ma’Kiah Cherae Coleman interfered with TSA officers who were conducting security screenings at Security Checkpoint D of Terminal 4 at Sky Harbor International Airport. The specific details of Coleman’s alleged interference will be revealed during the trial.
Injuries Inflicted on TSA Officers
The indictment further alleges that during her interference, Coleman inflicted bodily injury on two TSA officers. She is accused of grabbing one officer by the hair, forcefully pushing the officer’s head down against a table, and repeatedly hitting the officer on the head. Additionally, she is alleged to have elbowed another TSA officer in the head. A third TSA officer who came to the aid of the other two officers was also allegedly bitten by Coleman.
Charges and Penalties
Assault on a Federal Officer Resulting in Bodily Injury
Each count of assault on a federal officer resulting in bodily injury carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. If convicted on these charges, Coleman could face substantial consequences.
Assault on a Federal Officer with Contact and During the Commission of Another Felony
The indictment includes three counts of assault on a federal officer with contact and during the commission of another felony. Each count carries a maximum penalty of eight years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. These charges amplify the seriousness of Coleman’s alleged actions.
Interference with Airport Security Screening Personnel
Additionally, Coleman faces three counts of interference with airport security screening personnel. Each count carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. The severity of these charges underlines the importance of ensuring the safety of TSA officers and airport security screening processes.
Presumption of Innocence
It is crucial to note that an indictment is merely a formal accusation of criminal activity and does not imply guilt. Ma’Kiah Cherae Coleman is presumed innocent unless and until evidence sufficient to establish her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt is presented during her trial. The presumption of innocence is a fundamental aspect of our justice system, ensuring that individuals are not unduly punished before their guilt is proven.
Release and Trial
Coleman Released from Detention on Recognizance
Following her arrest and indictment, Ma’Kiah Cherae Coleman has been released from detention on personal recognizance. This means that, instead of paying bail or remaining in custody, she has been allowed to go free with certain conditions imposed on her release. The details and nature of these conditions are not explicitly provided in the available information, but they are likely intended to ensure her appearance in court and maintain public safety.
Trial and Conditions
Coleman’s release from detention does not signify the end of her legal proceedings. She will still need to appear in court for her trial, at which the evidence against her will be presented, and a determination of her guilt or innocence will be made. The specifics of Coleman’s trial, including the date and courtroom, have not been disclosed in the available information.
Investigation and Assistance
Federal Bureau of Investigation
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) played a crucial role in investigating the incident at Sky Harbor International Airport involving Ma’Kiah Cherae Coleman. As the primary federal law enforcement agency responsible for domestic security and intelligence, the FBI worked diligently to gather evidence and gather information regarding the alleged assault on TSA officers.
Phoenix Police Department
Assistance in the investigation was provided by the Phoenix Police Department. Local law enforcement agencies often work hand-in-hand with federal agencies like the FBI to ensure the successful investigation and prosecution of criminal cases.
Prosecution
Assistant United States Attorney Glenn McCormick
Handling the prosecution of Ma’Kiah Cherae Coleman’s case is Assistant United States Attorney Glenn McCormick from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix. Assistant U.S. Attorneys play a crucial role in presenting the evidence against the accused and seeking justice on behalf of the government and the affected parties.
Case Number and Release Number
The case against Ma’Kiah Cherae Coleman has been assigned the case number 23-00780-PHX-DLR. Additionally, her release from detention is associated with the release number 2023-080_M. Coleman.
Government Contact Information
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In conclusion, the indictment of Ma’Kiah Cherae Coleman on charges of assaulting TSA officers highlights the importance of maintaining the safety and integrity of airport security screening processes. The severity of the charges and the potential penalties she faces underscore the significance of this case. As the trial proceeds, the presumption of innocence remains a fundamental principle, ensuring a fair and just legal process. The involvement of federal agencies like the FBI and local law enforcement agencies such as the Phoenix Police Department demonstrates the collaborative effort to investigate and prosecute criminal cases. Assistant United States Attorney Glenn McCormick will play a crucial role in presenting the evidence against Coleman during the trial. If you have any questions or require further assistance, USA.gov is available to provide the necessary information and support.