RICHMOND, Va. — A 31-year-old New York man pleaded guilty on Wednesday to interfering with a flight crew after his threats and disruptive behavior aboard a May 2023 flight forced the plane to divert to Richmond, federal authorities announced.
James Tyqwon Ford admitted to making threats against flight attendants and passengers while traveling on a flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to New York. According to court documents, Ford became disruptive shortly after takeoff, using profanity toward crew members and consuming personal alcohol despite announcements prohibiting it.
When a flight attendant warned Ford about his behavior, he responded with lewd comments and threatened to punch and shoot her. Ford later claimed to have a firearm aboard the aircraft and threatened to “tear the plane apart,” causing fear among passengers and crew. His actions also included a physical altercation with his wife, who attempted to take away his bottle of Hennessy, prompting other passengers to intervene so she could escape to another section of the plane.
Ford’s threats escalated when he approached flight crew in the rear galley a second time, stating he would have friends in New York follow and harm the crew members after they landed.
Due to Ford’s aggressive behavior, the flight was diverted to Richmond International Airport, where law enforcement officers removed him from the plane upon landing.
Ford is scheduled to be sentenced on April 2, 2025, and faces up to 20 years in federal prison. The actual sentence will be determined by a judge considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carla Jordan-Detamore and was investigated by the FBI’s Richmond Field Office.