What is going on with these flights into Logan Airport?
Last year at least two people were charged with sexual misconduct on flights landing in Boston. (See Doctor Arrested for “Lewd, Indecent and Obscene Acts” Abroad Flight to Boston and California Man Sentenced for Groping Female Passengers on Overnight Flight to Boston.)
Today the U.S. District Attorney’s Office announced that yet another Boston-bound passenger has been arrested for lewd behavior during a flight.
According to the DA’s press release,
Krishna Kunapuli, 39, of India, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of lewd, indecent and obscene acts while in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. Kunapuli was arrested yesterday and will appear in federal court in Boston later today.
According to the charging documents, Kunapuli allegedly made unwanted sexual advances toward a female passenger on board an Etihad Airlines flight, including touching her hair and taking pictures of her without her permission. After a crew member intervened, Kunapuli returned to his seat.
It is alleged that, later in the flight, two male passengers seated near Kunapuli noticed Kunapuli masturbating under a blanket and, at times, with his penis fully exposed. One of the passengers reported this conduct to a flight attendant who intervened and alerted law enforcement.
If convicted, Kunapuli can face up to 90 days in prison and a fine up to $5,000.
Update 10/25/2024: Today boston.com reported that Mr. Kunapuli has agreed to plead guilty in a deal that sentences him to probation for 24 months. See Man accused of masturbating on flight to Logan agrees to plead guilty which includes the defendant’s change of plea paperwork.