Joseph Michael Sharkey, Assaulting a Flight Attendant, Florida 2016

Flight Attendant Assaulted on Jacksonville Flight

A disturbing incident unfolded on a recent flight from Washington, DC to Jacksonville International Airport, resulting in a guilty plea from the perpetrator.

Joseph Michael Sharkey, a 36-year-old man from Reston, Virginia, pleaded guilty to assault or intimidation of a flight attendant. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.

Sharkey was ordered to remain in custody pending a sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled. The incident occurred on January 31, 2016, during the final 20 minutes of Jet Blue Flight 715.

According to court documents, Sharkey attempted to place another passenger in a headlock. A flight attendant assisted the passenger and ordered Sharkey to take a seat. Sharkey initially complied but then kneed the flight attendant in the groin and stated that he was going to exit the airplane through an exit door.

With the help of volunteers, the flight attendants subdued Sharkey and placed him in flex cuffs for the remainder of the flight. The airplane landed safely at JIA and Sharkey was removed from the flight by airport police.

This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Aviation Authority Police Department and the Jacksonville Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dale Campion.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/virginia-man-pleads-guilty-assaulting-flight-attendant-jacksonville-flight