U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger | U.S. Department of Justice
A man from Washington, DC, has been charged with threatening flight attendants during a flight to Newark Liberty International Airport. The U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced the arrest of Kedus Yacob Damtew, 38, who is facing one count of interference with flight crew members and attendants by assault or intimidation.
The incident occurred on June 12, 2024, shortly before landing on a flight from Houston, Texas. According to court documents and statements made in court, Damtew removed his shirt and pushed his bare chest against a flight attendant, pinning them against the aircraft exit door while shouting threats and epithets. He also punched an aircraft oven and followed the same attendant to the rear of the plane where he continued his aggressive behavior by throwing a cup of water.
In response to the situation, another flight attendant called for assistance over the airplane’s public address system. Several passengers helped restrain Damtew using flex cuffs until the plane landed at Newark.
Damtew appeared before Magistrate Judge Matthew J. Sharbaugh in Washington, DC federal court and was released following his appearance. The charge carries a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison along with a fine up to $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger acknowledged the efforts of special agents from the FBI under Acting Special Agent in Charge Nelson I. Delgado in Newark for their investigation leading to this charge. Additionally, he expressed gratitude towards the Port Authority Police Department led by Edward T. Cetnar for their support.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Eli Jacobs from Newark's General Crimes Unit represents the government in this case.
It is important to note that these charges are merely accusations at this stage; Damtew remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Defense counsel: Elizabeth Mullin, Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender based in Washington, DC
