A Texas woman is facing up to 20 years in prison after allegedly assaulting a flight attendant on a United Airlines flight from Alaska to San Francisco International Airport.
According to the complaint, Debby Dutton, 50, of Cypress, Texas, got up from her seat and angrily shouted at the flight attendant after being asked to put her mask back on. She then pushed the flight attendant twice, causing bruising on the attendant’s right bicep.
The flight attendant reported the incident to the captain, who immediately took action. Dutton initially appeared in federal court in Houston, Texas, where she is currently out of custody.
Dutton has been charged with one count of interference by assault, threat, or intimidation with flight crew members or attendants, in violation of Title 49, United States Code, Section 46504. The charge carries a maximum possible sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine.
The incident occurred on June 29, 2021, when Dutton and her husband were on a flight from Alaska to San Francisco International Airport. Multiple passengers witnessed or heard part of the incident, and law enforcement officers subsequently interviewed them.
Dutton’s next appearance is scheduled for Tuesday, November 16, in Houston federal court. She is currently out of custody, and her exact sentence or outcome has not been determined.
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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