“This sentence is justice for the victims. It’s not just the flight attendant’s victim, but Southwest Airlines and all passengers on board that day,” Stahl said.
SAN DIEGO — CBS 8 News reporter Ariana Cohen was restrained in the courtroom as Vyvianna Quinonez, the girl who pleaded responsible for assaulting a Southwest Airlines flight attendant, received a letter of choice expressing regret and apologizing to the victim.
The Quinonez family was also in the courtroom and therefore wept since the beginning of the case.
A Southwest consultant issued a press release and the stewardess also made a very moving statement.
Video of the 28-year-old Sacramento resident punching a Southwestern flight attendant, pulling her hair and knocking out two enamels went viral last year.
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During the descent from the flight, Quinonez was not wearing his face masks properly, unbuckled his seat belt and had his tray down; all in violation of federal guidelines and rules.
“In a fit of rage, Quinonez violently assaulted a flight attendant, punching her in the face and head with closed fists. This behavior was reprehensible and will not be tolerated,” the assistant district attorney said. of the United States, Jaclyn Stahl.
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On Friday afternoon, U.S. District Court Judge Todd Robinson sentenced Quinonez to 15 months in federal custody. It’s also expected to pay nearly $26,000 in restitution and $7,500 over three years of supervised launch.
“She violated her bail by getting a DUI, and that was a factor in the sentencing,” Stahl said.
Judge Robinson said in the courtroom that he hopes this sentence will set a precedent and deter anyone from the habit.
“This sentence is justice for the victims. It’s not just the flight attendant’s victim, but Southwest Airlines and all passengers on board that day,” Stahl said.
The Quinonez family didn’t need to comment.
During a supervised launch, Quinonez is banned from flying a corporate jet and expected to attend anger management classes.
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