SARASOTA— Two JetBlue (B6) passengers were arrested after allegedly performing a sexual act during a flight from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), as reported by authorities.
The incident reportedly occurred in full view of two minors, prompting immediate crew intervention. Upon landing, local law enforcement arrested the individuals for exposing the children to a lewd act.
Photo: By Anna Zvereva from Tallinn, Estonia – JetBlue Airways, N503JB, Airbus A320-232, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=87516926JetBlue Passengers’ Lewd Act Triggers Arrest
According to official court records, the JetBlue flight crew was alerted at 10:28 a.m. on July 19, 2025, by a concerned mother traveling with two children.
She informed a flight attendant that the couple, identified as Trista L. Reilly (43) and Christopher D. Arnold (42) from Connecticut, were engaged in sexually explicit behavior visible to her kids.
Flight crew members corroborated the report, with one stating that Reilly was observed performing a suggestive movement while face-down in Arnold’s lap. The behavior was deemed both inappropriate and criminal, especially due to the presence of minors on board.
The flight landed at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), where the Sarasota-Manatee Airport Authority Police detained the couple at approximately 11:30 a.m.
Both individuals were charged with two counts of lewd and lascivious exhibition in the presence of minors, a felony under Florida law.
Photo: Caden HendersonOngoing Legal Proceedings and Prior Records
Reilly and Arnold were released without bail but are scheduled for arraignment on August 15, as per the Connecticut Post.
Notably, police records indicate that Arnold was previously arrested in March for disorderly conduct and assault in Danbury, Connecticut, further raising concerns about his behavior pattern.
Authorities have yet to clarify whether the couple was under the influence of any substances during the incident.
JetBlue’s Immediate Response
JetBlue issued a strong statement condemning the incident. A spokesperson said, “The alleged behavior is completely unacceptable and not tolerated by JetBlue.
Immediately upon receiving the report, our crewmembers acted swiftly to engage JetBlue’s security team and law enforcement.”
The airline confirmed the couple is permanently banned from flying on JetBlue flights and added that it is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.
Photo: Clément AlloingRelated Incident in Italy Raises Safety Concerns
In an unrelated incident, a light aircraft crashed onto a highway near Brescia, Italy, killing two people on board. The victims were identified as Sergio Ravaglia (75), a lawyer from Milan, and his partner Anna Maria De Stefano (50).
The aircraft nosedived onto Corda Molle highway, narrowly missing moving vehicles. Witnesses reported a dramatic fireball erupting upon impact.
Italian aviation authorities have launched a detailed investigation but noted that identifying the exact cause of the crash may be challenging due to the aircraft’s complete destruction.
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