Delta Pilot's Ex-Girlfriend Arrested in Child Sex Abuse Case, Accused of Enabling and Committing Shocking Acts By Liam Quinn

After a Delta pilot was arrested and accused of child sexual abuse, his ex-girlfriend was reportedly also charged with sexual abusing the child.

Rustom Bhagwagar, 34, was arrested in the cockpit shortly after his flight landed in San Francisco on July 26.

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office charged Bhagwagar with 24 felony charges, including counts of engaging in a sexual act with a child 10 years old or younger, oral copulation with a child, forceable lewd acts upon a child, and aggravated sexual assault of a child.

Jennifer Powell, 45, was also charged with child sexual abuse charges in connection with the case, according to court records.

The district attorney’s office said both Bhagwagar and Powell could face 15 years to life in prison if convicted. It is not immediately clear if either has entered a plea or retained an attorney.

Court records indicate that the alleged offenses ranged from 2018 to 2023.

A probable cause statement reported by KTVU alleges that Bhagwagar and Powell, who is the guardian of the alleged victim, had been in a relationship.

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The outlet reported, citing the statement, that Powell is accused of having known about and occasionally having participated in the abuse, which allegedly started when the alleged victim was 6 and ended when she was 11.

“Our office stands firmly committed to protecting children and holding those who cause harm accountable,” District Attorney Diana Becton said in a statement. “Every child deserves to feel safe, protected, and heard when an injustice like this occurs. By pursuing these cases vigorously, we not only seek justice for victims but also work to safeguard our entire community from those who would prey on children.”

The investigation into Bhagwagar began in April, authorities said. He was arrested by members of the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.