Featured Image Credit: Contra Costa Sheriff
Topics: Sexual Abuse, Domestic Abuse, Police, US News, Crime
Jen Thomas
Topics: Sexual Abuse, Domestic Abuse, Police, US News, Crime
Warning: the below contains references to child abuse
Following the shocking scenes which saw a Delta pilot being placed hauled off a flight to be arrested for child abuse, his ex-girlfriend has now also been taken into custody.
Footage went viral after the pilot, 34-year-old Rustom Bhagwagar, was dragged away from the cockpit in handcuffs.
He now faces 24 felony counts of engaging in sex acts with a child aged 10 or under, oral copulation with a child, lewd acts on a child, and aggravated sexual assault on a child, according to prosecutors.
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His ex-girlfriend, who is the mother of the child, has now been arrested in connection with the offences.
A probable cause statement alleges the mother was aware that her daughter was being abused by her boyfriend at the time.
According to court documents, the horrifying charges say she watched, and even participated in the alleged abuse against her daughter.
The Contra Costa District Attorney's Office has now charged both Bhagwagar and his ex-girlfriend, while authorities also said the girl did not live with her mother.
Delta airlines have confirmed the pilot has also been suspended.
A spokesperson said: "Delta has zero tolerance for unlawful conduct and will fully cooperate with law enforcement. We are appalled by reports of the charges related to the arrest and the individual in question has been suspended pending an investigation."
The pilot is now being held with a $15 million bond at the Martinez Detention Center, his ex-girlfriend is also held there but the bond amount is not known.
District Attorney Diana Becton said: "Our office stands firmly committed to protecting children and holding those who cause harm accountable. Every child deserves to feel safe, protected, and heard when an injustice like this occurs."
"By pursuing these cases vigorously, we not only seek justice for victims but also work to safeguard our entire community from those who would prey on children."
It is alleged the abuse started at the age of 6 until she turned 11 years old.
Federal agents were seen swarming the flight before taking Bhagawar away in handcuffs, moments after the flight landed in San Francisco.
Both the pilot and his ex face up to 15 years in prison if convicted, the report said.
The case first came to the attention of federal officers back in April, after authorities received a tip about child sex crimes against Bhagwagar, of Florida.
Bhagwagar is scheduled to be arraigned on July 30.