A Delta passenger accused of slapping a flight attendant's buttocks on a flight from Florida to Los Angeles has been indicted on a federal charge in Georgia. The passenger admitted to touching the attendant to get her attention but denied slapping her with force.
This incident highlights the federal penalties for interfering with flight crew, underscoring the seriousness with which authorities treat unruly passenger behavior on commercial flights.
A Delta passenger accused of slapping a flight attendant's buttocks has been indicted on a federal charge in Georgia. The alleged incident occurred on a Delta Air Lines flight traveling from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Los Angeles on May 9. The flight was diverted to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, where the passenger, identified as Cody James Maluck, was detained.
According to a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, the flight attendant, identified as "P.L.L.," stated that she was skipped over Maluck while taking beverage orders, believing he was asleep. She alleged that shortly after, she felt a slap to her buttocks area with enough force to move her body forward. An air marshal's affidavit detailed that Maluck raised his hands and stated he hadn't done anything. Another flight attendant corroborated hearing the alleged victim yell and observing her body move forward.
Maluck reportedly admitted to touching P.L.L. on the buttocks area, but only to get her attention. He claimed he did not slap her with force and had no intention to harm or disrespect her. He has been charged with interfering with flight crew members or flight attendants, a federal offense that can result in significant fines, civil penalties, and up to 20 years in prison. The Federal Aviation Administration, which often refers such cases to the FBI, was not immediately available for comment. A Delta spokesperson stated the airline has zero tolerance for unruly behavior and cooperates with law enforcement.
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