An American Airlines flight attendant is currently in custody pending trial after being arrested on suspicion of attempting to secretly video record a 14-year-old female passenger using an airplane bathroom. The incident took place during a flight from Charlotte to Boston in September 2023.
Investigators have alleged that the flight attendant, a 37-year-old from Charlotte, North Carolina, had recordings of four other minor female passengers using lavatories on a different aircraft he had previously worked on. The accused flight attendant, identified as Thompson III, agreed to voluntary confinement until trial during an initial appearance in federal court in Boston.
According to reports, the 14-year-old passenger was directed by Thompson to use the first-class lavatory, where he had allegedly concealed his iPhone beneath the toilet seat lid to record a video. The girl discovered the hidden device and alerted authorities upon landing in Boston.
A lawyer representing the family of the 14-year-old has stated that they are pursuing legal action against the airline. American Airlines confirmed that the flight attendant was immediately removed from service following the incident and has not worked since.
Further investigations revealed that Thompson had recorded minors using the lavatory on multiple occasions between January and August 2023. The charges against him include attempted sexual exploitation of children and possession of child sexual abuse material, which carry significant prison sentences and other penalties.
The seriousness of the allegations has raised concerns about passenger safety and the need for enhanced security measures within the airline industry. The case is expected to proceed to trial as authorities continue to gather evidence and testimonies related to the incident.
