Delta pilot arrested after landing at California airport charged in child sex abuse case

The District Attorney of Contra Costa County in Northern California revealed on Tuesday that a serious 24-count felony charge is being brought against a Delta pilot and a woman in connection with the sexual abuse of a minor over a period spanning from 2018 to 2023.

Currently, the 34-year-old pilot is detained on a $15 million bond. He is due to face arraignment on Wednesday for various charges, which include: engaging in sexual activity with a child aged 10 or younger, committing oral copulation with a child, carrying out forceful lewd acts, and the aggravated sexual assault of a child.

PREVIOUS STORY: Delta pilot removed from cockpit, arrested on child sex crimes after landing at SFO

The pilot was arrested on child sexual abuse charges after landing at San Francisco International Airport Saturday.

Officials say a 45-year-old woman has also been charged and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.

KGO-TV’s partner station in San Francisco has been unable to determine the tie between the victim and the woman. However, an article from the East Bay Times reports that officials mentioned, “a girl informed investigators that the pilot abused her multiple times weekly… From the age of 6 until 10… Her account further stated her mother was allegedly often present during these occurrences.”

According to the East Bay Times, investigators later approached the girl’s mother regarding the accusations, leading her to agree to persuade the pilot to visit the Bay Area in an attempt to keep the claims concealed. At this point, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, in collaboration with Homeland Security, acted decisively. They executed a strategic operation to intercept the pilot in the cockpit during a Delta flight’s landing from Minneapolis, and he was arrested on the spot Saturday evening.

“Our team remains resolute in our mission to protect children and hold accountable those who inflict harm. Every child deserves safety, protection, and a platform to be heard when faced with such violations. Through the diligent handling of these cases, we aim not only to secure justice for the victims but also to shield our community at large from threats to our children’s wellbeing,” stated Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton.

The sheriff’s department says their investigation is continuing and they’re asking for the public’s help with any details.

Officials say the charges carry terms of 15 years to life in prison.

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