In a shocking incident that unfolded on a domestic flight in September 2023, a 36-year-old American Airlines flight attendant, identified as Estes Carter Thompson III from Charlotte, N.C., was apprehended on Thursday.
The arrest followed accusations of Thompson recording or attempting to record a minor passenger using the aircraft restroom. The U.S. District Attorney's Office, District of Massachusetts, announced one count of attempted sexual exploitation of children and one count of possession of child pornography depicting a prepubescent minor against Thompson.
The incident reportedly occurred on a flight from Charlotte, N.C., to Boston, Mass. Thompson allegedly convinced a 14-year-old girl to use the facilities in the first-class section, where he escorted her. The disturbing details reveal that he entered the bathroom before her, claiming the toilet seat was broken.
Underneath the seat's lid were hidden red stickers indicating the supposed malfunction. Thompson's iPhone was concealed under these stickers, enabling him to surreptitiously record videos.
The brave teenager noticed the unusual setup, captured a photo with her phone, and reported the incident to her parents. Thompson, confronted by the victim's father, locked himself in the bathroom briefly before the flight landed.
Authorities received his cell phone, which had been reset to factory settings. A subsequent investigation found 11 identical "INOPERATIVE CATERING EQUIPMENT" stickers in Thompson's possession.
Further scrutiny of Thompson's iCloud unveiled four additional instances of recording minors using aircraft bathrooms between January and August 2023, involving victims aged 7 to 14. Shockingly, over 50 images of a 9-year-old unaccompanied minor were discovered, including close-ups of her face while sleeping.
All victims have been identified, and parents have been informed by law enforcement.
Thompson is currently in custody in Virginia, awaiting an appearance in the Western District of Virginia. Additionally, he will face charges in a Boston federal court at a later date. Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy expressed deep concern over the alleged conduct, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety and security of all airline passengers, especially children.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the gravity of this situation is a stark reminder of the need to prioritize the protection of innocent individuals, particularly minors, from any form of victimization during air travel.
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