A Delta Air Lines passenger accused of slapping a flight attendant's buttocks has been indicted on a federal charge, according to court documents filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.
The incident occurred on a May 9 flight from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Los Angeles. The plane was diverted to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, where the suspect, identified as Cody James Maluck, was taken into custody and later moved to the Atlanta City Detention Center.
According to a criminal complaint, the flight attendant, identified only as “P.L.L.,” told an air marshal that she was taking beverage orders and skipped Maluck, believing he was asleep. Moments later, she felt a “slap to her buttocks area with sufficient force to cause her body to move forward.” She turned around and saw Maluck raising his hands and saying, “I didn’t do anything.”
Another crew member corroborated the account, saying they heard P.L.L. yell and saw Maluck with his hands raised, claiming innocence. The air marshal’s affidavit notes that Maluck admitted to touching the flight attendant’s buttocks but claimed it was only to get her attention and that he did not use force or intend to harm or disrespect her.
Maluck has been charged with interfering with flight crew members or flight attendants, a federal offense carrying penalties of up to 20 years in prison and substantial fines. The Federal Aviation Administration, which enforces a zero-tolerance policy for unruly behavior, often refers such cases to the FBI. The air marshal involved identified himself as an FBI Task Force Officer.
In a statement, a Delta spokesperson said: “Delta has zero tolerance for disruptive or unruly behavior on our flights. We will always cooperate with law enforcement to address such conduct and protect our people.”
This case comes amid broader federal efforts to combat misconduct on aircraft, including recent moves to tighten rules. For instance, the McBath Revives Federal Red Flag Bill highlights ongoing debates about federal authority in safety matters. Meanwhile, critics of federal overreach have pointed to the unfinished repair of the Tenth Amendment as a concern in such prosecutions.
The FAA declined to comment on this specific incident, but the agency has consistently supported referring cases to the FBI for prosecution. As federal courts handle an increasing number of in-flight disruption cases, this indictment underscores the serious consequences for passengers who cross the line.
