Airline Co-Pilot, Second Suspect Charged With 24 Counts Of Child Abuse

Picture Credit -Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office

India-West News Desk

MARTINEZ, CA -An airline pilot from Florida and awoman have been arrested and charged in a multi-count felony complaint related to the sexual abuse of a minor in Contra Costa County. 

Detectives with the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by the Department of Homeland Security, arrested 34-year-old Rustom Bhagwagar on July 26. He was taken into custody on a plane at San Francisco International Airport where he worked as a co-pilot for a commercial airline. 

Following the initial arrest, a second suspect, 45-year-old Jennifer Powell, was also taken into custody. Both Bhagwagar and Powell have been booked into the Martinez Detention Facility. 

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office has filed a 24-count felony complaint against Bhagwagar, which includes charges of engaging in a sexual act with a child 10 years old or younger, forcible lewd acts, and aggravated sexual assault of a child. Powell has also been charged in a related felony complaint. Both face potential prison terms of 15 years to life. Bhagwagar is currently being held on a $15 million bond. 

District Attorney Diana Becton stated that her office is “firmly committed to protecting children and holding those who cause harm accountable.” She added, “By pursuing these cases vigorously, we not only seek justice for victims but also work to safeguard our entire community from those who would prey on children.” 

The investigation, which began in April 2025, remains active. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Sheriff’s Investigation Division. The identity of the victim is being protected due to her age and the nature of the allegations.