Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana
George Stevens, a 38-year-old from South Carolina, has been sentenced to 33 months in federal prison for an incident at the Indianapolis International Airport. Following his prison term, Stevens will undergo three years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty to charges of interference with security screening personnel and assaulting a federal officer.
Court documents reveal that on July 15, 2023, Stevens was undergoing a security check at TSA Checkpoint A when an alarm indicated further screening was necessary. While initially compliant during the pat-down search, Stevens verbally insulted the TSA officer conducting it. A supervisor called to the scene noted that Stevens appeared intoxicated and was not following instructions.
The situation escalated when Stevens dropped into a squat and exposed himself to both officers and passengers. Upon arrival of an Indianapolis Airport Police Department officer, Stevens continued his disruptive behavior by disrobing completely and confronting the supervisor.
Stevens' actions occurred in full view of travelers, including families with children. His sentence is aligned with the upper range of U.S. Sentencing Guidelines due to his extensive criminal history involving domestic violence and firearms offenses.
John E. Childress, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, stated: "Our Indianapolis International Airport is one of the finest airports in the country...the lewd and violent behavior towards security staff demonstrated by Mr. Stevens in this case will not be tolerated."
TSA Indiana Federal Security Director Aaron Batt expressed gratitude for law enforcement support: "We appreciate the support from local law enforcement and the U.S. Attorney’s Office when our officers or members of the public face harassment and abuse at the checkpoint."
FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton emphasized accountability: "This sentence underscores the FBI’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for criminal acts against those who serve and safeguard the public."
The investigation involved collaboration between the FBI, TSA, and APD, with U.S. District Judge James R. Sweeney II imposing the sentence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Olivier prosecuted this case under Acting U.S. Attorney Childress' direction.
