A Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania resident was sentenced on April 7 to one year of supervised release, including 90 days of home detention and a $250 fine, after pleading guilty to theft on an aircraft, according to United States Attorney Troy Rivetti.
The case concerns an incident that occurred during a flight from Los Angeles to Pittsburgh on April 9, 2025. The sentencing highlights the consequences for criminal behavior aboard commercial flights.
United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Jaymer Ferrell, age 23. Court records show that the Allegheny County Police Department responded after being alerted about an unruly passenger who was vaping during the flight. A flight attendant reported observing Ferrell vaping and searching through several bags in overhead bins. Based on these actions throughout the hours-long journey, the attendant suspected that Ferrell had stolen items from other passengers' luggage.
When the plane landed at Pittsburgh International Airport, Ferrell was taken into custody due to an outstanding warrant. Authorities found him with a backpack containing another passenger's wallet and credit cards.
Assistant United States Attorney V. Joseph Sonson prosecuted the case. Rivetti said he commended both the Allegheny County Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation for their roles in investigating and prosecuting Ferrell.
The prosecution underscores law enforcement's efforts to maintain safety and security aboard commercial flights.
