Man pleads to assaulting flight attendants

A California man faces six months in prison after pleading guilty to assaulting flight attendants while he was a passenger on a flight from San Diego to Albuquerque, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Alton James Johnson, 43, of Yuba City entered his plea in federal court on Tuesday, Jan. 12.

The incident occurred Dec. 23, 2019, according to a U.S. Attorney’s Office news release. Citing the plea agreement, federal officials said Johnson repeatedly touched a female flight attendant up and down her legs.

“After she told him to stop, Johnson then grabbed the flight attendant inappropriately,” the release reads. “When a second flight attendant stepped in and asked Johnson not to touch any flight attendants, Johnson forcefully grabbed the second flight attendant by the arm.”

Johnson admitted to being under the influence of alcohol, the news release said, but conceded he was in control of his actions. He will remain in custody until sentencing.