A California man was sentenced to 19 months in federal prison for interfering with a flight crew, forcing his plane to divert to Kansas City International Airport in Missouri.
Juan Remberto Rivas, 52, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark for his role in the disturbance on American Airlines flight 1775. The court also ordered Rivas to pay $64,434 in restitution to American Airlines.
The incident occurred on February 13, 2022, when Rivas, a passenger on the Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. flight, created a disturbance and attempted to open an exit door. He was subdued by several passengers and flight attendants before the plane landed safely at KCI.
According to court documents, Rivas assaulted the arresting law enforcement officers after the airplane landed and he was being taken into custody. A number of officers were injured in his attempt to flee, resulting in contusions, lacerations, and an injured hand.
Rivas pleaded guilty to one count of interfering with flight crew members and flight attendants on January 23, 2024. In addition to this federal case, Rivas faces a pending charge in Platte County, Mo., for assault against a law enforcement officer.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul S. Becker. The FBI investigated the incident.
Rivas was subdued by passengers and flight attendants before his arrest. The incident highlighted the importance of vigilance and cooperation among airline staff and passengers in preventing similar disturbances.
Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News