News Summary
Estes Carter Thompson III, a former flight attendant, has been sentenced to 18.5 years in prison for secretly recording passengers, including minors, in an airplane bathroom. This crime has sparked a lawsuit against American Airlines, claiming negligence in preventing such incidents. The young victim has suffered lasting trauma from the experience, impacting her daily life and mental health. The case highlights serious concerns about safety protocols within the airline industry.
Orlando, Florida – A former flight attendant, Estes Carter Thompson III, has been sentenced to 18 and a half years in federal prison for secretly recording passengers, including an 11-year-old girl, in an airplane bathroom. This incident has raised serious concerns and led to a lawsuit against American Airlines, filed on behalf of the young victim.
The lawsuit claims that American Airlines did not take adequate measures to prevent the incident that occurred while the child was aboard Flight 2080 from Orlando International Airport to North Carolina on August 15, 2023. Legal representatives for the victim argue that the airline should have been aware of the potential risk posed by Thompson, as there had been prior complaints about his behavior from coworkers.
The FBI’s investigation into Thompson revealed disturbing evidence, indicating that he had been recording multiple passengers across different flights. It was discovered that Thompson had taped a smartphone in the airplane lavatory to capture footage of unsuspecting victims. This shocking crime has led to significant emotional distress for the young girl, now 13, who has developed post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and fear related to public restrooms.
Impact on the Victim
Since the incident, the victim has experienced profound changes in her daily life. She consistently fears being alone in public restrooms and frequently requests someone to accompany her when using them. The trauma has affected her ability to focus on schoolwork, as she often looks for hidden cameras in restrooms due to her experiences.
Thompson’s actions not only traumatized the young girl but also led to the discovery of recordings from four other minors on his iCloud account. These recordings revealed that victims aged 7, 9, 11, and 14 had also been targeted during various flights. The FBI informed the girl’s family about the existence of these recordings months after the initial incident, which shocked them and prompted difficult discussions about the situation.
Legal Proceedings and American Airlines’ Response
Thompson has pleaded guilty to charges of sexual exploitation of children and possession of child pornography in a separate case involving another victim. During his sentencing, he expressed remorse for his actions towards the victims and their families. Concurrently, concerns have arisen regarding American Airlines’ accountability, especially as two other lawsuits have already been filed against the airline involving Thompson’s victims. A pending lawsuit in Texas relates to yet another of Thompson’s victims.
In response to the current lawsuit, American Airlines stated that it is thoroughly reviewing the allegations and acknowledges the importance of customer safety and security. Initially, the airline attempted to dismiss the lawsuits, insisting that it is not liable for the criminal actions of its employees. However, the current lawsuit accuses American Airlines of negligence, specifically citing failures in conducting proper background checks and inadequate training of staff to recognize signs of inappropriate behavior.
Seeking Damages
The lawsuit filed on behalf of the 11-year-old victim seeks damages for the emotional and psychological harm she has endured as a result of Thompson’s actions. The allegations against American Airlines underscore a pressing need for enhanced measures to ensure the safety of passengers, particularly vulnerable individuals such as minors.
The ongoing legal battles surrounding this case highlight significant concerns regarding the safety protocols in place within the airline industry. As the process unfolds, many are watching closely to see how American Airlines addresses these allegations and what measures it will implement to safeguard its passengers in the future.
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Additional Resources
- WFTV News
- Aviation A2Z
- Charlotte Observer
- Boston Herald
- Wikipedia: American Airlines
- Google Search: American Airlines lawsuit
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
