Unruly Delta Passenger Indicted After Allegedly Slapping Flight Attendant, Could Face 20 Years in Prison

A Delta Air Lines passenger is facing a federal charge after allegedly slapping a flight attendant’s buttocks. The flight was subsequently diverted to Georgia.

According to court documents, the incident occurred on May 9 during a flight from Florida to Los Angeles. The 32-year-old James Maluck could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

Unruly Delta Passenger

The flight attendant, identified only by the initials P.L.L., was serving drinks to passengers when she reached the row where Maluck was seated. She believed Maluck was asleep and continued serving the next passenger without waking him. Maluck then allegedly slapped the flight attendant’s buttocks with enough force to cause her body to lurch forward.

P.L.L. then turned around in shock and allegedly saw Maluck raise his hands and mockingly say, “I didn’t do anything.”

The lead flight attendant alerted the pilot, who decided to divert the plane and notify authorities. Upon landing, federal air marshals and Atlanta police arrested Maluck, after which he was taken to the Atlanta City Detention Center.

Maluck told authorities that he was wearing headphones and did not hear the flight attendant ask what he wanted to drink. He allegedly admitted to touching the flight attendant but denied doing so forcefully. According to Maluck, he was only attempting to get her attention.

Up to 20 Years in Prison

On June 3, a federal grand jury in Atlanta indicted the passenger on a charge of interfering with a flight crew. The charge carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison and a $25,000 fine. 

Public records show that Maluck has previously been charged with minor offenses in both Florida and California.

Because the Delta flight was diverted to Georgia, Maluck will be tried in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.

Delta said in a statement that it has a “zero-tolerance” policy toward unruly passengers. Delta added, “We will always cooperate with law enforcement to address such conduct and protect our people.”