Russian Woman Deported, Escaping US Charges for Midair Assault

Federal prosecutors have dropped all charges against a Russian national accused of assaulting flight attendants and attempting to open a plane door during a disruptive incident aboard a United Airlines flight. The case was dismissed because Kristina Kedysheva, 37, was deported from the United States, according to reports.

Kedysheva faced federal charges including interfering with a flight crew and assault aboard an aircraft, which carried a maximum penalty of 21 years in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew McCormack stated that Kedysheva was not prosecuted but rather removed by immigration authorities.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesman confirmed that Kedysheva, a Russian citizen, was deported on September 29 to Italy, her point of origin. She currently resides in Gessate, Italy.

The incident occurred on a United Airlines flight from Milan, Italy, to Newark, New Jersey. Approximately four hours into the flight, Kedysheva, who had reportedly consumed several alcoholic drinks, began demanding more alcohol. When flight attendants refused her request, she allegedly became aggressive, disregarded instructions to return to her seat, and began filming crew members, calling them "racist."

According to court documents, Kedysheva had to be restrained by five individuals to prevent her from attempting to open a door midair. She is also accused of biting one flight attendant's wrist and kicking the same crew member in the stomach after being denied more alcohol. The flight attendant sustained a shoulder injury requiring medical attention.

The flight, carrying 274 passengers and 13 crew members, was diverted to Bangor, Maine, due to the disruption. Upon landing, Kedysheva was met by local police, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, and FBI Special Agents. She was charged with interfering with flight crew members and assault aboard an aircraft.

Kedysheva reportedly told investigators that she was traveling to New York for a friend's 40th birthday celebration. She remained in custody in Bangor for approximately three weeks before being released and handed over to immigration authorities on September 29. Following her deportation, federal prosecutors moved to dismiss the criminal case. Maine U.S. Attorney Andrew B. Benson noted that further prosecution was not in the interests of justice. The charges were dismissed without a determination of guilt.