A federal magistrate has set a May 5 trial for a Nevada man accused of abusive sexual conduct and interference with airline crew members on a flight last year from Seattle to Las Vegas.
Prosecutors say 38-year-old Daniel Parkhurst of Gardnerville made his initial court appearance Friday.
According to an indictment, Parkhurst intimidated flight crew members and flight attendants on a Southwest Airlines plane last Oct. 31. He allegedly touched another person on the upper inner thigh without that person’s consent and created a disturbance by engaging in abusive sexual conduct and interfered with the performance of duties of the flight crew.
Authorities said the plane was diverted from its flight to Las Vegas and landed in Reno. Prosecutors said Parkhurst is facing up to 20 years in prison if convicted.