The former girlfriend of a Delta Airlines pilot arrested over the weekend has also been charged in connection with the sexual abuse of a minor, according to court documents released Tuesday, as reported by The New York Post.
Jennifer Powell, 45, was charged with multiple felony counts for allegedly participating in the abuse of her own daughter, who was between the ages of six and eleven at the time.
Ex-girlfriend of Delta pilot arrested on plane is also charged with joining in abuse of her daughter.
Jennifer Powell, 45, was charged Tuesday with allegedly joining her ex, Rustom Bhagawar, in sexually abusing her daughter.https://t.co/Zi90qQwmXA https://t.co/DgL6PRv3J5 pic.twitter.com/Elmmce4CIe
— Dalton (@DaltonReport) July 30, 2025
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Powell’s former partner, 34-year-old Rustom Bhagwagar, a Delta pilot based in Florida, was taken into custody Saturday after federal agents boarded his aircraft upon landing in San Francisco.
Bhagwagar was arrested in the cockpit and charged with 24 felony counts related to child sex crimes, including aggravated sexual assault, lewd acts with a child, and engaging in sex acts with a child under the age of 10.
UPDATE: The Delta co-pilot arrested for child s*x crimes after landing at San Francisco Airport has been identified
Rustom Bhagwagar, 34, was arrested by Contra Costa County detectives after landing at San Francisco International Airport
He had just arrived on Delta Flight 2809… pic.twitter.com/bhBJH9wyYv
— Unlimited L’s (@unlimited_ls) July 28, 2025
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According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by KTVU, Powell was not only aware of the abuse but also allegedly watched and participated. The victim, Powell’s daughter, reportedly did not live full-time with her mother. Authorities allege the abuse took place over a five-year span.
Bhagwagar had been under investigation since April after the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office received a tip. The investigation led to criminal charges in Contra Costa County, California, where both suspects are currently being held at the Martinez Detention Facility.
Both Powell and Bhagwagar are being held on $15 million bond. Bhagwagar is scheduled to be arraigned on July 30. If convicted, each faces up to 15 years in prison, according to court records.
Delta Airlines confirmed that Bhagwagar has been suspended pending the outcome of the criminal case. “Delta has zero tolerance for unlawful conduct and will fully cooperate with law enforcement,” a Delta spokesperson said.
“We are appalled by reports of the charges related to the arrest, and the individual in question has been suspended pending an investigation.”
Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton commented on the case Tuesday. “Our office stands firmly committed to protecting children and holding those who cause harm accountable,” Becton said in a public statement.
“Every child deserves to feel safe, protected, and heard when an injustice like this occurs.”
Investigators have not disclosed whether additional charges or suspects are being considered as the case proceeds.
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