DENVER-
A man who authorities said became upset when an airline crew refused to serve him alcohol, forcing a flight to be diverted to Denver, appeared in court Friday to face a criminal charge of interference of a flight crew.
Frederick Murphy, 59, of New Jersey was arrested at Denver International Airport Thursday night when Continental Flight 17 from Newark, New Jersey, to Los Angeles landed in Denver, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said in a statement.
Murphy’s hometown was not immediately available and it was unclear whether he had retained an attorney. Airline officials did not return a message left by The Associated Press.
Murphy was released on bail. His next hearing is scheduled for March 28.
If convicted, Murphy could be sentenced to up to 20 years in federal prison, and up to a $250,000 fine.
