HOUSTON – A passenger on an international flight to Houston earlier this month was indicted for creating a disturbance and interfering with a flight crew.
Joseph Ferrarone appeared in federal court Friday morning following the return of an indictment alleging he interfered with a Qatar Airlines flight crew from Doha, Qatar, to George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston Dec. 1.
The indictment states Ferrarone, 33, allegedly created a disturbance by using abusive language, threatening to blow up the plane and refusing to comply with directions, instructions and warnings given to him by flight attendants.
Other passengers say Ferrarone kept kicking the seat in front of him. When a passenger turned around, he supposedly said, "(Expletive) What are you looking at? I'll crush your face."
Another passenger said Ferrarone claimed he would mix nitroglycerin and styrofoam, and put it on the airplane window and blow up the plane, saying, "I've killed in the past and I'll kill again."
Ferrarone also allegedly attempted to consume his own liquor on the plane and became agitated when he was told that was not permitted.
The indictment alleges Ferrarone told a flight attendant, "I don't need this (expletive)! Bring me Johnny Walker. In five minutes, give me Johnny Walker."
Passengers said after that Ferrarone pulled out a mechanical pencil and said, "I've been in the armed forces for 26 years. I've killed a lot. I've used this pen on 15 people. You better do what I want."
If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
Court records show Ferrarone has a criminal history that includes criminal trespass, DWI and possession of a controlled substance.
The charges are the result of an investigation by the FBI and the Houston Police Department.