A Delta pilot is facing criminal charges and a possible five-year jail sentence after hiding the fact he was suffering from a ‘major depressive disorder.’
Adam Asleson, 39, is accused of making false or misleading statements to the Federal Aviation Administration for not disclosing he was receiving disability benefits for a mental disorder from the US Department of Veterans Affairs.
The Northern District of California US Attorney’s Office alleges he told the FAA that he received the benefits only for a physical medical condition related to a knee strain and tinnitus.
The US Attorney’s Office said he had indicated ‘he did not suffer from any mental disorders including depression or anxiety despite having represented to the VA that he suffered from major depressive disorder’.
"Delta pilots are held to the highest standards of professionalism, honesty and integrity. Once made aware of the situation, we opened an internal investigation and are working cooperatively with the authorities. The pilot in question is no longer actively flying," Delta said.
Asleson is potentially facing a prison sentence of up to five years and a $250,000 fine.
He was released on a $10,000 bond and is back in federal court next month.
