A 64-year-old licensed practical nurse is reportedly facing federal charges for allegedly grabbing a flight attendant's genitals during a flight. Las Vegas to North Dakota.
On Tuesday, Jody Lynn Sherry-Berg was taken into custody for allegedly obstructing flight crew members, as indicated in federal court papers examined by the source. The Independent .
The dispute took place on January 16 onboard an Allegiant Air flight traveling from Harry Reid International Airport to Grand Forks International Airport, according to the statement. indictment unsealed April 8 in Minnesota federal court.
Sherry-Berg, a Bemidji, Minnesota, resident, “did knowingly interfere with the performance of the duties” of a male flight attendant identified in court filings as “J.M.,” when she “assaulted J.M. by grabbing J.M.’s genitals,” the indictment contends.
Lawyer Jean Brandl, who was appointed as a public defender for representing Sherry-Berg during her initial court hearing, stated The Independent she stated that "she couldn't discuss the case with you."
Brandl refused to offer specifics about what preceded the confrontation, as these details are not included in the indictment.
An Allegiant Air representative has not yet responded to requests for comments.
A fellow passenger recorded cellphone footage of Sherry-Berg twice groping the flight attendant's groin area in Fargo, according to the local NBC affiliate in North Dakota. KVLY reported at that time of the incident.
Initially, upon her arrival, Sherry-Berg was detained by the Grand Forks Police Department for allegedly furnishing false information to law enforcement. A probable cause affidavit from that incident indicates that she initially provided the police with a fictitious name: Alyssa Hoverson.
A search of Sherry-Berg’s possessions uncovered a Minnesota driving license that disclosed her real identity, according to the affidavit.
On April 3, the state charges were dismissed as an unsealed federal indictment was issued according to court documents. After being arrested earlier in the week, Sherry-Berg was freed on a personal recognizance bond with instructions to avoid her supposed victim and any potential witnesses set to testify.
An individual privy to information about the event informed The Independent that Sherry-Berg has “solid grounds for defense” against the accusations.
If convicted, Sherry-Berg confronts as many as 20 years She is set to make an appearance in the Grand Forks federal court on April 21 while being incarcerated.
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