2025-07-30T22:01:20Z

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Can you imagine stepping off a flight, only to discover that a trusted co-pilot has been arrested for the most heinous of crimes? Rustom Bhagwagar, a co-pilot for Delta Airlines, found himself in this very nightmare when he was taken into custody in the cockpit just moments after landing in San Francisco on July 26.

The shocking details emerging from this case are beyond disturbing. Bhagwagar, facing an astonishing 24 felony charges related to child sex abuse, is not alone. His former girlfriend, 45-year-old Jennifer Powell, has also been charged for her involvement in this grotesque situation that spanned over five years. Together, they stand accused of horrifying acts against a young child, with charges including sexual acts with a child aged 10 or younger, oral copulation with a child, and aggravated sexual assault.

As if that wasn’t chilling enough, Powell, who was supposed to be a guardian to the child, allegedly not only enabled the abuse but also participated in it, a betrayal that shakes the very foundation of trust. The charges detail a timeline of abuse that reportedly began when the young victim was just six years old and continued until they were eleven. This is a wound that will take a lifetime to heal.

District Attorney Diana Becton has expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, “Our office stands firmly committed to protecting children and holding those who cause harm accountable. Every child deserves to feel safe, protected, and heard when an injustice like this occurs.” It’s a promise we all hope is delivered upon.

The investigation into these allegations commenced in April, with agencies like the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations diving deep into this horrifying case. As the legal proceedings unfold, it remains unclear whether Bhagwagar and Powell have entered a plea or secured legal representation. One can only hope that justice prevails for the sake of the innocent.