NEW YORK — The Russian accused of sneaking onto a Delta Air Lines flight from New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport to Paris last week appeared in federal court Thursday.
Svetlana Dali, who returned to New York City on Wednesdayis charged with obtaining transportation on an aircraft without permission or consent. She has not entered a plea.
Dali will remain behind bars until he appears in court again on Friday afternoon. At that time, a bail package and a demonstrable place of residence are discussed.
Dali reportedly managed to sneak onto a plane on November 26 without a boarding pass. The Transportation Security Administration confirmed that security footage showed Dali using a TSA line for known crew members, which eventually merged with the general public. The TSA also said she went through a body scanner.
The TSA has since opened a civil suit against the woman.
Judge considers Dali a flight risk
The 57-year-old was taken to the courtroom by US Marshals and was accompanied by her lawyer and a Russian translator. She looked calm and wore only a black jacket, blue jeans and sneakers.
Prosecutors argued that Dali is a flight risk and should be held behind bars until defense counsel is able to review the details of the case.
Her lawyer disagreed, saying there was no need to detain her and that she was not a threat to society and was not trying to smuggle anything, but the judge believed otherwise and considered her a flight risk.
Dali’s lawyer said she claimed while in custody that she was poisoned after leaving France and falling ill. She said she lost consciousness at one point during her arrest.
Dali was subsequently taken into federal custody on Wednesday an earlier attempt to send the green card holder to Philadelphia ended due to an outburst earlier this week.
TSA and Delta on how the breach occurred
The agency has downplayed the incident.
“This is the only reported instance of unauthorized entry as more than 18 million passengers were screened at TSA security checkpoints during the busiest Thanksgiving travel season ever,” the TSA said in a statement.
Delta also did not reveal how she got past the gate agent.
“Delta would like to thank the French and US authorities for their assistance in this matter,” Delta Air Lines said in a statement. “Our assessment confirms that Delta’s security infrastructure, as part of our security management systems framework, is sound and that deviation from standard operating procedures is the root cause of this event. We are addressing this matter thoroughly and will continue to work closely with our regulators, law enforcement and other relevant stakeholders. Nothing is more important than safety and security.”
Damage reported after California earthquake, evacuations following tsunami warnings
NYPD provides update on search for shooter in fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO
UnitedHealthcare CEO shot dead in ‘targeted attack’ outside New York City hotel
