Ashland, Oregon Man Appears on Federal Indictment Involving Attempt to Set Fire on Alaska Airlines Flight

Medford, Ore. - Dustin Sardi Elkins, 29, Ashland, Oregon, appeared before U.S. District Judge Owen Panner today on charges of Attempted Destruction of an Aircraft and Interference with a Flight Crew. A federal grand jury indicted him on these charges Wednesday, March 19, 2008. An FBI special agent and an Ashland police officer arrested Elkins at his home Thursday, March 20, without incident.

At today’s initial appearance, Judge Panner released Elkin, with release conditions including that he: limit his travel to Oregon, unless he has prior approval of pretrial services; is restricted from travelling in any aircraft; entering any airport; is restricted from having contact with any aircraft personnel without prior approval of pretrial services; and must refrain from the use of any controlled substances.

The indictment alleges that Elkins attempted to light a seat on fire while flying aboard Alaska Airlines flight 633 on February 3, 2008. The plane was en-route from Las Vegas, Nevada, to Seattle, Washington, when it diverted to Portland International Airport. Port of Portland officers and FBI agents responded.

The matter is scheduled for trial on May 27, 2008, before U.S. District Judge Anna J. Brown in Portland, Oregon. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant should be presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen L. Bickers.

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