Additional arrest in Delta Airlines co-pilot child sex case: DA’s office

(KRON) — A 45-year-old woman was arrested in connection to the case of a Delta Airlines co-pilot who was detained at San Francisco International Airport on child sex charges.

The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday afternoon Jennifer Powell has been charged in a felony complaint and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.

The DA’s office said Rustom Bhagwagar, a 34-year-old Florida resident, was arrested at SFO on July 26 at 9:40 p.m. by sheriff’s office detectives and homeland security investigators for alleged sex crimes against a child. Bhagwagar is being held on $15 million bail at the Martinez Detention Facility.

Authorities said that Bhagwagar is accused of sexually abusing a minor between 2018 and 2023 in Contra Costa County.

“[He] will be arraigned on 24 felony charges that include: engaging in a sexual act with a child 10 years old or younger, oral copulation with a child, forceable lewd acts upon a child, and aggravated sexual assault of a child,” said the DA’s office.

The charges faced by Powell and Bhagwagar carry terms of 15 years to life in prison. Both will appear in court on Wednesday to be arraigned.

“Our office stands firmly committed to protecting children and holding those who cause harm accountable,” said DA Diana Becton in a news statement on Tuesday. “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.”

On Monday afternoon, a spokesperson for Delta provided the following statement:

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.
Morgan Durrant, Delta Airlines

Authorities said that due to the victim’s age and the nature of the alleged crimes, their identity will not be released.

This is an active case. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. Tips are welcome at tips@so.cccounty.us and (866) 846-3592.