Airline Stowaway Prosecutions
Airline Stowaway Prosecutions: Overview
What is an airline stowaway?
A stowaway is someone who secretly boards an aircraft without permission or a ticket.
This is illegal because it threatens safety, violates immigration and aviation laws, and disrupts operations.
Prosecutions usually involve charges like:
Trespassing.
Illegal entry or immigration violations.
Interference with crew or flight safety.
Notable Cases
1. United States v. Kevin Robinson (2011)
Background:
Kevin Robinson was found hiding in the landing gear compartment of a commercial flight departing from Miami.
Facts:
Robinson boarded the plane without authorization, hiding in the wheel well.
He survived the dangerous flight but was arrested upon landing.
Charged with trespassing on aircraft and violating immigration laws.
Outcome:
Pleaded guilty to trespassing.
Deported after serving a short sentence.
Case highlighted extreme risks of stowing away in wheel wells.
2. People v. Carlos Mendez (California, 2014)
Background:
Mendez was arrested after sneaking onto an aircraft at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Facts:
Mendez bypassed security and boarded a plane bound for Mexico.
He was discovered during pre-flight checks.
Charged with trespassing and interfering with flight operations.
Outcome:
Convicted and sentenced to probation.
Deported after sentence.
The case showed airports’ increasing security measures and legal consequences for stowaways.
3. United States v. Tinashe Chikore (2016)
Background:
Chikore, a Zimbabwean national, was found stowing away in the cargo hold of a plane flying from New York to London.
Facts:
Chikore evaded airport security and hid in the cargo area.
Discovered by crew members during flight.
Charged with unlawful entry and aircraft trespass.
Outcome:
Convicted and sentenced to imprisonment.
Deported after serving sentence.
Case stressed dangers and criminal penalties for cargo hold stowaways.
4. State v. Samuel Johnson (Texas, 2018)
Background:
Johnson was caught after stowing away in the wheel well of a domestic flight out of Houston.
Facts:
Johnson survived the flight but suffered severe injuries.
Arrested upon arrival and charged with trespassing.
Also faced charges for endangering flight safety.
Outcome:
Pleaded guilty.
Received jail time and deportation.
Highlighted risks and legal deterrents related to wheel-well stowaways.
5. United States v. Maria Lopez (Florida, 2020)
Background:
Lopez was arrested after sneaking aboard a small private jet at Miami Executive Airport.
Facts:
Lopez boarded without ticket or permission.
Charged with trespassing and interfering with aircraft safety.
Investigation revealed she intended to evade immigration enforcement.
Outcome:
Convicted and sentenced to probation.
Faced deportation.
Case showed prosecutions extend to private jets and small aircraft.
Summary
Stowaway prosecutions involve trespassing, unlawful entry, and safety violations.
Most cases result in criminal charges and deportation.
Wheel well and cargo hold stowaways face high risk of injury or death.
Legal actions deter airport security breaches and protect flight safety.
Cases span commercial airlines, private jets, and cargo planes.
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