Plane Worker Charged in Bomb Threat [He's a flight attendant]

greenspun.com : LUSENET : Current News - Homefront Preparations : One Thread

Plane Worker Charged in Bomb Threat

By MIKE BRANOM, Associated Press Writer, Posted May 17 2002, 9:10 AM EDT

Sun-Sentinel Link

ORLANDO, Fla. -- A federal grand jury indicted a French flight attendant for allegedly writing bomb threats aboard a London-to-Orlando flight, prompting a precautionary landing in Iceland.

Michael Philippe, 25, was indicted Thursday on charges of threatening to use a weapon of mass destruction against U.S. nationals, communicating false information, intimidating flight crew members and making a false statement to the FBI.

If convicted of the threat charge, he could be sentenced to life in prison.

Philippe's arraignment has not been set, Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Turner said.

Philippe's Washington, D.C.-based attorney, Brian Shaughnessy, declined comment Thursday.

During a Virgin Atlantic Airways flight on Jan. 19, Philippe allegedly scrawled "Ben Laden is the best Americans must die there is a bomb on board Al Quaida" on an air sickness bag in the lavatory. He's also accused of writing, in soap on a mirror, "American must die."

Philippe then reported discovering the threats to the plane's captain and another flight attendant, causing the pilot to land at Keflavik, Iceland. After a search and a night's stay in Iceland, the flight resumed the next day.

Philippe of Aux-les-Baines, France, was arrested at Newark Airport on March 27.

He was released from jail April 22 after posting $250,000 bond.

Philippe is staying at a halfway house in Orlando, and his whereabouts are being electronically monitored.

Copyright © 2002, The Associated Press

-- Anonymous, May 17, 2002


Moderation questions? read the FAQ