From Sfgate · · 1m
Pilot Convicted in Child Abuse Case
Florida pilot faces 230 years in prison after child sexual abuse convictions.
In brief
Florida pilot faces 230 years in prison after child sexual abuse convictions. Rustom Bhagwagar, a Delta pilot arrested at SFO in July 2025, was convicted of 20 counts of child sexual abuse with a Bay Area woman. Originally reported by Sfgate.
Conviction Details
Jurors convicted Rustom Bhagwagar and Jennifer Spitz Powell of 20 counts of sexual abuse on a child under 14 across five years.
Child Testimony
The child testified during trial, showing extraordinary courage by facing those who used duress to harm her.
“showed extraordinary courage by testifying in court and facing the people who used duress to harm her”
Maximum Sentence
Bhagwagar and Powell each face a maximum sentence of 230 years to life in state prison.
Relationship Timeline
The abuse started in 2017 when the child was 7 years old and continued for five years.
Arrest Details
Bhagwagar was arrested at SFO in July 2025 after landing from Minneapolis following an evening flight.
The takeaway
Rustom Bhagwagar, a Delta pilot arrested at SFO in July 2025, was convicted of 20 counts of child sexual abuse with a Bay Area woman.
