Ex-girlfriend of Rustom Bhagwagar, Indian-origin pilot in US, helped him in child abuse; she knew her daughter was a victim
In a shocking revelation of the case that involved the dramatic arrest of an Indian-origin pilot Rustom Bhagwagar from the cockpit of the plane that he landed in San Francisco, investigators have now revealed that Rustom's former girlfriend was a part of this child abuse.
Her daughter was the victim of Rustom's abuse; she knew it. The daughter currently was not living with her mother.
Jennifer Powerll, 45, the ex-girlfriend, was aware that her daughter was being sexually abused by her then-boyfriend, the authorities said. Jennifer watched and even participated in the alleged sex crimes against her daughter.
According to court documents, the abuse started when the daughter was six years old and continued until she was 11 when Powell and Bhagwagar broke up.
Powell was also taken into custody this week and charged alongside Rustom. Both defendants are being held at the Martinez Detention Facility; Bhagwagar's bail is set at $15 million, while Powell's bail has not yet been disclosed.
Dramatic arrest from the Delta plane
Rustom was arrested Saturday in San Francisco as soon as he landed the plane. His co-pilot was not aware of the impending arrest, as the federal agents made sure that Rustom had no way to escape.
The passengers were also left in shock as they saw their pilot being led by the federal agents in handcuffs.
Delta said it suspended the pilot from the airline pending the investigation. "Delta has zero tolerance for unlawful conduct and will fully cooperate with law enforcement," a spokesperson said. "We are appalled by reports of the charges related to the arrest and the individual in question has been suspended pending an investigation."
"Our office stands firmly committed to protecting children and holding those who cause harm accountable. Every child deserves to feel safe, protected, and heard when an injustice like this occurs," according to District Attorney Diana Becton. "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."
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