Home Denver Press Releases 2010 Muhammad Abu Tahir Appears in U.S. District Court in Denver
Info
This is archived material from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) website. It may contain outdated information and links may no longer function.

Muhammad Abu Tahir Appears in U.S. District Court in Denver

U.S. Attorney’s Office January 15, 2010
  • District of Colorado (303) 454-0100

DENVER—Muhammad Abu Tahir, age 47, of Glen Allen, Virginia, appeared this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen M. Tafoya for a preliminary hearing and detention hearing. Tahir waived his right to a preliminary hearing. Regarding detention, Magistrate Judge Tafoya ordered Tahir to be released on a $10,000 unsecured bond. Tahir was also ordered to follow specific conditions of his pre-trial release, including:

  • He cannot fly on an airplane for any reason, including coming to court.
  • He cannot consume alcohol or use drugs, except as prescribed by a doctor.
  • He has to seek mental health treatment if ordered by pre-trial services.

Tahir is charged with interference with a flight crew, which carries a penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison, and not more than a $250,000 fine, plus possible restitution. Tahir was arrested by Special Agents of the FBI because of his January 8, 2010 behavior aboard AirTran Airways Flight #39 that was traveling from Atlanta to San Francisco. The plane was diverted to Colorado Springs airport because of Tahir’s unruly behavior, including assaulting a flight crew member. 

The defendant is represented by a Federal Public Defender. He is next scheduled to appear in court on February 2, 2010 before the Criminal Duty Magistrate Judge for a status conference.

These charges are only allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Tahir is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasandra Carleton.

For more information or questions please contact Jeff Dorschner at 303-454-0243.
This content has been reproduced from its original source.