Haitian National Sentenced for Disrupting Transatlantic Flight

BOSTON – A Haitian national pleaded guilty and was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Boston for disrupting a transatlantic American Airlines flight. 

Edmond Alexandre, 60, a Haitian national residing in Paris, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to one year of supervised release, a fine of $1,000 and restitution of $6,303 to American Airlines.  Alexandre pleaded guilty to interference with flight crew members.    

On Aug. 27, 2014, at 7:00pm, American Airlines Flight 62 departed Miami, Fla. en route to Paris, France.  At 9:00pm, Alexandre, a passenger on the plane, became disruptive and started arguing with other passengers.  A flight crew member intervened, and attempted to calm Alexandre down.  Unable to do so, the flight crew member walked away towards the back of the plane at which time Alexandre raised his voice again, chased the crew member down the aisle towards the back of the plane, and grabbed the crew member’s arm.  Immediately, federal air marshals, who were on the plane, identified themselves and subdued Alexandre.  Alexandre was taken into custody, and the captain of the plane diverted the flight to Boston’s Logan Airport.  Alexandre was removed from the plane and taken into custody.  Four hours later, the flight received clearance and departed for Paris.

United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz; Dwain G. Troutt, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Transportation Security Administration, Office of Law Enforcement, Federal Air Marshal Service, Boston Field Office; Bob Allison, Federal Security Director for the Transportation Security Administration for the District of Massachusetts; Vincent B. Lisi, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Colonel Timothy P. Allen, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, made the announcement today.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Ortiz’s Major Crimes Unit.