SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Sebastian Bien-Aine, age 20, a citizen of Toronto, Canada, was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 26, 2022, for a charge of interference with flight crew.
According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, the indictment alleges that on July 24, 2022, Bien-Aine was a passenger on the Porter Airlines, Flight 134, that departed Newark, New Jersey with final destination of Toronto, Canada. During the flight, Bien-Aine left his seat and charged the flight deck door and attempted to enter the door which ultimately required the plane to land in Avoca, Pennsylvania. Bien-Aine was taken into custody by the FBI upon arrival in Avoca.
This case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Todd K. Hinkley.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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