Local prosecutors hand over case of the amorous JetBlue travelers to U.S. attorney

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Sarasota County prosecutors say they abandoned charges against a couple arrested after allegedly performing sex acts on a fight to SRQ because they lacked jurisdiction.

However, federal prosecutors will be deciding if they will take up the case.

The incident happened July 10 on JetBlue Fight 163 from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport to Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.

Witnesses, including a mother with her children and a flight attendant, say Trista Reilly performed sexual acts on Christopher Arnold in front of other passengers.

They were arrested by SRQ Airport Police after the flight landed.

In a memo released to ABC7 by the state attorney’s office in Sarasota, witnesses said the alleged activity happened shortly before takeoff and shortly after the aircraft left New York.

“Based on the above, any criminal conduct involved in this case occurred outside of Florida’s jurisdiction and cannot be prosecuted by this office. Accordingly, prosecution is declined,” the memo said.

However, it doesn’t mean the case is over. “This office has notified the U.S. Attorney’s Office of this decision, which will conduct further investigation into whether any criminal charges should be filed.

Also, JetBlue has said Reilly and Arnold have been banned from flying with them again.