A man who yelled expletives and racial epithets and attempted to strike a flight attendant after being asked to put his face mask on and who later caused his flight to be diverted learns his jail time and fine.
James Patrick Maloney Jr., a 37-year-old man from Honeoye, New York, learned his fate earlier this week after pleading guilty to a single count of interference with a crew member with assault.
The incident occurred in September of 2020, when Maloney, on an American Airlines flight from Charlotte to Las Vegas, was seen drinking a beer he’d brought with him and not wearing his mask. The flight attendant asked Maloney to put his mask on and noted that he was not allowed to drink beer he’d brought on the plane himself. Maloney responded with expletives and racial epithets.
The flight attendant ultimately handed Maloney a final warning in written form. After returning from the bathroom, Maloney, who was reportedly drunk, got into an argument with a flight attendant and lunged at them before attempting to strike the flight attendant. Maloney’s girlfriend, however, grabbed him before he was able to strike the flight attendant.
The flight was then diverted to the St. Louis International Airport where Maloney was arrested. During his arrest, Maloney continued his ranting yelling and cursing at airport police.
In his plea agreement, Maloney admits to the charges and earlier this week, U.S. District Judge John A. Ross of the Eastern District of Missouri, sentenced him to 40 days in jail and an $8,000 fine. Maloney was also prohibited from using alcohol, must undergo substance abuse testing and treatment, submit to mental health counseling, and perform 100 hours of community service.
