A Florida man will serve a short prison sentence after a conviction for intimidating and verbally threatening flight attendants on a Spirit Airlines flight.
Michael Anthony Minko of White Springs pleaded guilty after downing anxiety pills and alcohol on the Newark to Fort Lauderdale flight last year.
Prosecutors said Minko’s behavior went well beyond unruly.
He allegedly made threats to kill and racially abused a flight attendant.
"After the flight departed, the defendant drank an excessive amount of whiskey from a bottle in his possession and consumed prescription alprazolam," federal prosecutors said.
"During the course of the flight, Minko cursed, used abusive language, made verbal threats and exhibited threatening actions. As a result, a flight attendant and three passengers used plastic flex cuffs to secure Minko’s hands behind his back."
US District Judge Beth Bloom allowed Minko time to continue treatment for alcohol and drug dependency before starting his two-month sentence in late February.
