Man Pleads Guilty to Interfering with Flight Crew

ANCHORAGE—U.S. Attorney Karen L. Loeffler announced today that Nobuya Michael Ochinero pleaded guilty to one count of interfering with a flight crew.

On February 10, 2014, Ochinero, 38, was traveling on a flight from Tokyo, Japan to New York when he became intoxicated. When flight attendants refused to serve Ochinero additional alcohol, he became upset and yelled obscenities at the flight crew. He also became combative during the flight, pushing flight attendants, spitting on passengers, and throwing objects. His actions ultimately caused the flight to be diverted to the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.

Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Courter, who is prosecuting the case, indicated that, as part of his plea, Ochinero agreed to pay restitution to the airline. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Anchorage Airport Police Department led the investigation in the case.

Ochinero is scheduled to be sentenced on July 7, 2014, before United States District Court Judge Sharon Gleason.