American Airlines flight attendant charged with child pornography for filming minors in plane restrooms
OAN’s Brooke Mallory
3:37 PM – Friday, January 19, 2024
Startling Revelation: American Airlines Flight Attendant Arrested for Attempting to Secretly Record Young Girls in Restroom
Estes Carter Thompson III, 37, was apprehended on Thursday and is now facing charges of attempted sexual exploitation of children and possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Massachusetts released a statement announcing Thompson III’s arrest in Lynchburg, Virginia.
“What Mr. Thompson is accused of doing is disgraceful, and we believe, calculated, given that this alleged conduct occurred on at least five flights,” stated Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston field office.
According to the release, Thompson is accused of attempting to record a 14-year-old girl while working as a crew member on a flight from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Boston, Massachusetts last year.
Thompson was immediately removed from service following the incident, and American Airlines confirmed that he was promptly terminated upon being informed.
“We take these allegations very seriously,” American Airlines emphasized. “They do not reflect our airline or our core mission of caring for people. We have been fully cooperating with law enforcement in its investigation, as there is nothing more important than the safety and security of our customers and team.”
Prosecutors allege that the young girl was waiting for an occupied restroom in the main cabin when the flight attendant approached her and directed her to a first-class restroom, claiming it was available for her use. However, upon entering the restroom, the girl discovered red labels on the underside of the toilet seat cover that read, “INOPERATIVE CATERING EQUIPMENT” and “REMOVE FROM SERVICE.”
“It is alleged that, beneath the red stickers, Thompson had concealed his iPhone to record a video,” the release stated. “The girl took a picture of the concealed phone and returned to her seat to show her parents.”
The parents then alerted other flight attendants, who informed the captain, leading to the involvement of ground authorities.
Prior to the plane’s descent, Thompson locked himself in the restroom with his phone for up to five minutes after being confronted by the girl’s father. Detectives suspect he may have been attempting to reset his phone to factory settings.
Upon landing at Logan International Airport in Boston, officials discovered 11 stickers inside Thompson’s bag that matched those found in the plane restroom.
Furthermore, prosecutors uncovered four videos of children between the ages of seven and fourteen using restrooms on airplanes in Thompson’s iCloud account during a search conducted between January and August of 2023.
The North Carolina native is currently in custody and is scheduled to appear in federal court in Boston.
Stay informed! Subscribe to receive breaking news directly to your inbox for free. Subscribe here.
Open border becoming deadlier for U.S. Citizens.
Undeclared voters in New Hampshire could take up ballots on Tuesday changing the tide of New Hampshire’s primary.
Despite heavy snowfall, many Pro-Life Americans gather in Washington D.C. to March For Life.
A Texas bus company files a lawsuit against the City of Chicago over a new migrant drop-off ordinance.
Binance is due to square off against the SEC next week in another high-profile hearing involving a crypto exchange that could define how cryptocurrencies are regulated.
Executives at the WEF say they are grappling with how to turn early demos into money-makers.
Apple ended Samsung Electronics’ 12-year reign as the largest seller of smartphones in the world.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk expressed discomfort with growing the automaker to be a leader in AI and robotics without having at least 25% voting control of the company.
rnrn
How can increased training and awareness programs for flight attendants and airline staff contribute to preventing similar incidents in the future?
And seized his electronic devices for further investigation.
The arrest of Thompson has raised concerns about the safety and security of passengers, particularly minors, on flights. It highlights the need for stricter regulations and thorough background checks for airline employees, specifically those who have direct contact with passengers.
“This incident is a chilling reminder that predators can be found in any profession and any environment,” said Jodi Cohen. “We must remain vigilant and take measures to protect our most vulnerable.”
American Airlines has expressed its commitment to ensuring the safety of its customers and has cooperated fully with law enforcement in the investigation. The incident serves as a reminder for all airlines to prioritize passenger safety and take immediate action against any employee found engaging in misconduct.
In response to this incident, industry experts and advocacy groups are calling for increased training and awareness programs for flight attendants and other airline staff. They believe that educating employees on recognizing and reporting suspicious behavior can contribute to preventing such incidents in the future.
The case against Thompson is ongoing, and he will face the full extent of the law if found guilty. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Massachusetts is working diligently to gather evidence and ensure justice is served.
Incidents like these not only damage the reputation of airlines but also undermine the trust of passengers. It is crucial for airlines to maintain the highest standards of safety and security to protect their customers and uphold their reputations.
In conclusion, the arrest of Estes Carter Thompson III for attempting to secretly record young girls in the restroom is a disturbing revelation. This incident raises questions about the safety measures in place within the airline industry and calls for stricter regulations and improved training for airline employees. It is a reminder that constant vigilance and proactive measures are necessary to protect vulnerable individuals and maintain passenger trust. The investigation and prosecution of Thompson should serve as a deterrent and reassurance to passengers that their safety and well-being are taken seriously.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...