Warning: the following content contains references to child abuse.
After the shocking incident where a Delta pilot was removed from a flight and subsequently arrested for child abuse, the pilot’s former girlfriend has also been detained.
Viral footage captured the arrest of the pilot, 34-year-old Rustom Bhagwagar, as he was escorted from the cockpit in handcuffs.
Prosecutors have charged Bhagwagar with 24 felony counts, which include engaging in sex acts with a child aged 10 or under, oral copulation with a child, lewd acts on a child, and aggravated sexual assault on a child.
The ex-girlfriend, who is the child’s mother, has been arrested in connection with these charges.
A probable cause statement indicates that the mother was aware of the abuse her daughter suffered at the hands of her then-boyfriend.
Court documents further allege that she not only witnessed but also partook in the abuse against her daughter.
The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office has now filed charges against both Bhagwagar and his former girlfriend, noting that the child did not reside with her mother.
Delta Airlines has suspended the pilot amid these allegations.
A spokesperson for Delta stated: “Delta has zero tolerance for unlawful conduct and will fully cooperate with law enforcement. We are appalled by reports of the charges related to the arrest and the individual in question has been suspended pending an investigation.”
Currently, the pilot is detained with a $15 million bond at the Martinez Detention Center, while his ex-girlfriend is also held there, though her bond amount remains undisclosed.
District Attorney Diana Becton remarked: “Our office stands firmly committed to protecting children and holding those who cause harm accountable. Every child deserves to feel safe, protected, and heard when an injustice like this occurs.”
She added, “By pursuing these cases vigorously, we not only seek justice for victims but also work to safeguard our entire community from those who would prey on children.”
The abuse is alleged to have begun when the child was 6 and continued until she was 11.
Federal agents were observed boarding the flight and taking Bhagwagar into custody shortly after the plane landed in San Francisco.
If convicted, both the pilot and his ex-girlfriend could face up to 15 years in prison.
The case came to the attention of law enforcement in April after a tip was received regarding child sex crimes involving Bhagwagar, who resides in Florida.
Bhagwagar’s arraignment is set for July 30.