RSS 2.0 FeedGet Fresh On An Airplane, Go Directly To Jail
by Brad WarbianyAnother one for the “WTF Files”…
Affectionate passenger gets federal rap
A California man who prosecutors said got a little too friendly with his girlfriend during a flight was convicted Thursday of interfering with flight attendants and crew members.
Carl William Persing and his girlfriend were seen “embracing, kissing and acting in a manner that made other passengers uncomfortable” during the September flight from Los Angeles to Raleigh, according to a criminal complaint.
Persing twice threatened a flight attendant who told the couple to stop and refused to serve them alcohol, prosecutors said. The FBI met the couple when the plane landed in Raleigh.
Persing, 41, will probably serve jail time for the federal felony conviction, Assistant U.S. Attorney John Bowler said. He was convicted after a three-day trial in U.S. District Court in Wilmington.
Defense attorney Deb Newton said her client will appeal.
“He’s devastated,” Newton said, adding that he was defending his right to be left alone.
Charges against girlfriend Dawn Elizabeth Sewell, who was accused of assisting Persing, were dropped this week.
Did you hear that? Federal felony. Let me repeat. FEDERAL FELONY CHARGES for getting too fresh with his girlfriend on an airplane. While he might be in some trouble for threatening the flight attendant, we’re talking about a felony here.
The guy was probably a little drunk, and frankly probably a bit obnoxious. But now he’s going to federal prison. Does that seem like a little bit of overkill?
And as I’m often known to remark… This guy is going to federal prison and his life is probably ruined. Do you feel safer?
But I shouldn’t have to be exposed to his
Comment by Wulf — May 6, 2007 @ 4:07 pmsecond-hand smokedisplay of affection! What if it makes me feel inadequate or uncomfortable? My comfort does indeed warrant prison time for this man, who clearly doesn’t respect my rights.It’s not even about what they were doing as much as it does that he threatened a flight attendant twice and interupted the crew. You just can’t do that crap on a flight. I don’t think what he did warants a felonly conviction, misdemeanor at best. Jail time, that is iffy, maybe make him be a flight attendant for a week instead so he can realize how piss poor his attitude was and apologize for being a horn dog.
I’m sure Wulf is being sarcastic, but I shouldn’t have to sit there and watch people being frisky, not just showing affection. It’s not like they were just holding hands or a little peck here and there. From what I understand they were groping with heavy kissing and being confrontational. I’m sorry, but they don’t have a right to be asked to be left alone. They are in a confined space making others uncomfortable, and being a couple of threatening drunks.
Comment by Aimee — May 6, 2007 @ 9:15 pmWhile I agree that they were out of line, it’s bizarre that they are convicted of a Federal felony.
Their crime was no worse than the thousands of other misdemeanor’s committed every week.
I think the airlines will someday rue socializing their security costs.
Comment by tarran — May 7, 2007 @ 9:02 amHaving just flown roundtrip from USA to London I can attest to the new demeanor .. there are signs all over telling you that you’d better listen to the flight attendants or be prosecuted. I have got to say too that the stewardesses on American Airlines were the most nasty I have ever encountered. They were rude, sarcastic and just plain nasty. Too bad they couldn’t be brought up on charges for their behavior. I know I won’t be flying with American Airlines aytime soon.
Comment by Judy Aron — May 7, 2007 @ 12:19 pmI will say that I was impressed with US border security in the airport.
Some lady even got caught smuggling in sausages by a “security dog” who “sniffed” her out.. LOL.
C’mon people, get with the times. How un-PC is the term stewardess? Or even Flight Attendant?
The proper term is “Sky Waitress”.
Comment by Bret — May 7, 2007 @ 3:20 pmThis is a case of dumb, dumber, and dumbest.
Dumb was getting your freak on in mid flight for everyone to see.
Dumber was threatening the flight attendant who told you to knock it off.
Dumbest was going for a felony conviction on this.
Nobody has been made safer. Just dumb people, well, being just that, dumb.
Comment by tkc — May 7, 2007 @ 4:44 pm