Delta Pilot's Ex-Girlfriend Participated In Daughter's Sex Abuse: Reports

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — The ex-girlfriend of the Delta pilot who was taken into custody upon landing in San Francisco is now also charged in connection with the years-long child sexual abuse of her own daughter, according to law enforcement and media reports.

Following Saturday’s dramatic on-board arrest of 34-year-old Florida resident Rustom Bhagwagar, 45-year-old Jennifer Powell was booked Tuesday afternoon into the Contra Costa County Jail - Martinez Detention Facility, according to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office.

Both Powell and Bhagwagar are charged with 24 counts, including engaging in a sexual act with a child age 10 or younger, oral copulation with a child, forceable lewd acts upon a child and aggravated sexual assault of a child, according to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office.

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The abuse occurred between 2018 and 2023 in Contra Costa County, prosecutors contend. Powell knew her daughter was being abused and even watched and participated in the criminal acts, according to KTVU, which said the abuse happened when the child was between the ages of 6 and 11.

Bhagwagar was being held at the Martinez Detention Facility on a $15 million bond and was set to be arraigned Wednesday afternoon, according to authorities.

Both Bhagwagar and Powell face 15 years to life in prison if convicted, authorities said.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the police at 925-313-2600. For any tips, email tips@so.cccounty.us or call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

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