Unruly Spirit Airlines passenger to serve prison sentence
A Florida man will serve a short prison sentence after a conviction for intimidating and verbally threatening flight attendants on a Spirit Airlines flight.
Michael Anthony Minko of White Springs pleaded guilty after downing anxiety pills and alcohol on the Newark to Fort Lauderdale flight last year.
Prosecutors said Minko’s behavior went well beyond unruly.
He allegedly made threats to kill and racially abused a flight attendant.
"After the flight departed, the defendant drank an excessive amount of whiskey from a bottle in his possession and consumed prescription alprazolam," federal prosecutors said.
"During the course of the flight, Minko cursed, used abusive language, made verbal threats and exhibited threatening actions. As a result, a flight attendant and three passengers used plastic flex cuffs to secure Minko’s hands behind his back."
US District Judge Beth Bloom allowed Minko time to continue treatment for alcohol and drug dependency before starting his two-month sentence in late February.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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