United States of America v. Sebastian Bien-Aine

Scranton, Pennsylvania criminal law lawyer represented defendant charged with interfering with a flight crew.



On July 24, 2022, Sebastian Bien-Aine, age 20, 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.



49 U.S.C. 46504 Interference with a Flight Crew Members and Attendants provides:



An individual on an aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States who, by assaulting or intimidating a flight crew member or flight attendant of the aircraft, interferes with the performance of the duties of the member or attendant or lessens the ability of the member or attendant to perform those duties, or attempts or conspires to do such an act, shall be fined under title 18, imprisoned for not more than 20 years, or both. However, if a dangerous weapon is used in assaulting or intimidating the member or attendant, the individual shall be imprisoned for any term of years or for life.

Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.