United States Attorney David Metcalf has announced the sentencing of Jonathan "Jon" Beaulieu, 32, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Beaulieu was sentenced by United States Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Hey to one year of probation and ordered to pay restitution amounting to $59,143 for violating airport security protocols.
The incident occurred on June 26, 2024, at Philadelphia International Airport. According to court documents and statements, Beaulieu attempted to bypass security under the pretense of retrieving a forgotten phone. Witness J.M., a security guard at the Terminal C exit lane, repeatedly informed Beaulieu that he could not enter the sterile area of the airport without proper clearance.
Beaulieu's attempt included offering a $50 bill as a bribe to gain access, which J.M. refused. Despite her warnings and calls to police dispatch, Beaulieu managed to bypass her and entered the secure area.
Airport security later discovered through surveillance footage that Beaulieu had boarded a plane at Gate A-20. The plane was preparing for departure when authorities intervened. As a result of his actions, all passengers were deplaned for safety checks, leading to the flight's cancellation. American Airlines reported financial losses due to this disruption.
The FBI and Philadelphia Police Department conducted an investigation into the breach. Assistant United States Attorney Everett Witherell is prosecuting the case.
