Leon Anderson, Assaulting Flight Attendant, Arkansas 2020

LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS – Leon Anderson, a 40-year-old man from Maumelle, has pleaded guilty to assaulting a flight attendant on a PSA Airlines flight.

According to court documents, Anderson was a passenger on flight 5686 from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Little Rock on February 11, 2020. Prior to takeoff, a flight attendant was walking through the aisle of the plane when Anderson grabbed his leg. Startled, the flight attendant turned around, and Anderson apologized, saying it was a mistake. Moments later, Anderson put one arm around the flight attendant’s shoulder and attempted to put a hand around his waist while apologizing again.

The flight attendant told Anderson he did not need to apologize further. However, Anderson made inappropriate, sexual comments to the flight attendant and ultimately grabbed the flight attendant two more times in a sexual manner. The flight attendant notified the captain, who notified law enforcement.

Anderson pleaded guilty to one count of interference with a flight attendant, a charge that carries a punishment of not more than 20 years imprisonment, a fine of not more than $250,000, and not more than three years supervised release.

Judge James M. Moody, Jr. will sentence Anderson at a later date. The case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kristin Bryant and Benecia Moore.

Anderson’s crime is a serious offense that puts the safety of flight attendants and passengers at risk. His guilty plea is a step towards accountability, and we hope that he will receive the punishment he deserves.

This case serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting the boundaries and authority of flight attendants and other airline personnel.

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