PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Marc A. Malone, 34, of Hogansville, GA, has pleaded guilty in federal court to interfering with a flight crew during an AirTran flight from Atlanta to Pittsburgh, according to United States Attorney David J. Hickton.
The court heard that on October 10, 2012, Malone became erratic halfway through the flight. He demanded to disembark and attempted to reach the front of the aircraft, leading to a physical confrontation with two flight attendants. Five passengers joined in subduing Malone, who was ultimately restrained for the remainder of the flight.
Malone’s antics included repeated profanity and threats against those who tried to contain him, according to the court record. The flight crew had to prioritize Malone’s restraint over their normal duties until the plane landed.
Judge Gustave Diamond has scheduled sentencing for May 8, 2013, where Malone faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Assistant United States Attorney James T. Kitchen is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
The investigation into Malone was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), leading to his prosecution.
Malone remains on bond pending sentencing, which will determine the severity of his punishment based on the seriousness of the offense and his criminal history.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Public Corruption|Violent Crime|Cybercrime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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