A 25-year-old woman who is reportedly the niece of former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie was reportedly kicked off a flight after she accused a Latino family of smuggling cocaine by authorities.
She was identified as Shannon Epstein, booted and arrested after an altercation with police. The 25-year-old reportedly got aggressive after making the accusation and injured about six sheriff deputies, one of whom was allegedly bitten on November 24.
Epstein allegedly kicked one of the officers in the groin. Several officers had to be treated by paramedics during the incident that occurred at around 6:00 a.m. aboard the Spirit Airlines flight bound for New Jersey from New Orleans.
It was added by Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Captain Jayson RIvarde in a report by NOLA.com that Epstein had told deputies who were trying to get her off the plane that they would lose their jobs or be jailed.
The 25-year-old alleged threatened that her uncle had powerful connections, including his friendship with former United States President Donald Trump.
About seven deputies had to handcuff her to a wheelchair and force her off the aircraft. But even after that, Epstein allegedly continued to shout and try to bite deputies as she was being taken away.
The plane was already starting to taxi to the runway but had to return to the gate at Louis Armstrong airport due to the incident.
As a result, Epstein is now facing six counts of battery on a police officer and three more for disturbing the peace. She also faces one charge of resisting arrest and another of remaining after being forbidden.
Christie, who ran for president in 2016, was not immediately available to comment on the incident, NBC News reported.
Epstein made bail, paying the amount of $10,750. She was released on the same day from the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center.
The 25-year-old woman is due to appear before a court on Jan. 23 although Rivarde said most airline-related cases move to federal court.
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