U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber | U.S. Department of Justice
A New York man, James Tyqwon Ford, 31, has pled guilty to interference with a flight crew following an incident that forced a flight diversion. The incident occurred on May 13, 2023, during a nonstop flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to New York.
Court documents reveal that before the first beverage service, the flight crew detected the smell of alcohol and reminded passengers not to consume personal alcohol onboard. Following this announcement, Ford became disruptive and used profanity against the crew. A flight attendant warned him about his behavior and informed him that law enforcement would be notified upon landing. In response, Ford made lewd comments and threatened physical harm to a flight attendant.
Passengers reported feeling unsafe due to Ford's claims of having a firearm and threats to "tear the plane apart." An altercation ensued when Ford's wife attempted to take away a bottle of Hennessy from him. Other passengers intervened to separate them.
Ford later threatened crew members again in the rear galley of the plane, claiming he had friends in New York who would "destroy them." His actions led to the flight being diverted from its intended destination of New York to Richmond. Upon landing, law enforcement officers removed Ford from the aircraft.
Ford is set for sentencing on April 2, 2025, facing up to 20 years in prison. Sentences for federal crimes are usually less than maximum penalties; a federal district court judge will decide after considering various guidelines and factors.
The plea was announced by Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office. The case is prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carla Jordan-Detamore.
Further information can be found on the websites of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or through PACER under Case No. 3:24-cr-142.
