AUSA VICKIE E. LEDUC or MARCIA MURPHY at 410-209-4885
OCTOBER 23, 2007
ARIZONA MAN SENTENCED FOR ASSAULT OF CREW MEMBERS DURING FLIGHT TO BWI
Baltimore, Maryland - U.S. District Magistrate Judge Paul W. Grimm sentenced Bryan Leon Spann, age 35, of Morristown, Arizona, today to three years of probation for assaulting two flight attendants, announced United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein. The terms of probation include: three months of home detention; evaluation for substance abuse; successful completion of an anger management class; a written letter of apology to each of the victims; and a donation, in lieu of a fine, of $1,500 to Air Charity Network.
According to the plea agreement, on March 10, 2007, Spann was a passenger on America West Flight 81 traveling from Phoenix, Arizona to Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI), and had became loud, belligerent and combative during the flight. A member of the flight crew attempted to calm Spann down, as he was disturbing both the crew and passengers. Instead, Spann struck the crew member in the right eye with a closed fist. Spann also struck another crew member. Members of the flight crew and passengers were ultimately able to restrain Spann. Maryland Transportation Authority Police officers met the plane when it landed at BWI and took Spann into custody. Officers detected a strong odor of alcohol and observed Spann’s eyes to be bloodshot and watery. They attempted to administer several field sobriety tests, which Spann was unable to either complete or attempt, due to his physical condition.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Maryland Transportation Authority Police for their investigative work. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Romano, who prosecuted the case.