A former American Airlines flight attendant was sentenced to 18½ years in federal prison for secretly filming underage girls in aircraft bathrooms using a hidden camera.
At a Glance
- Estes Carter Thompson III pleaded guilty in March 2025 to attempted sexual exploitation of children and possession of child pornography.
- He rigged a hidden iPhone beneath a “seat broken” sticker to film girls ages 7 to 14 on multiple flights in 2023.
- The recording setup was discovered by a 14-year-old passenger, leading to his arrest and sentencing.
- Investigators later uncovered additional illicit recordings, AI-generated child-abuse images, and photos of a sleeping unaccompanied minor on his iCloud.
- Thompson will serve 18½ years in prison at FMC Butner, North Carolina, followed by five years of supervised release, including sex-offender treatment.
Details of the Crimes
Between January and September 2023, Thompson targeted young female passengers on flights, including directing a 14-year-old to a rigged lavatory where he had concealed his iPhone under “Inoperative Catering Equipment” stickers affixed to the toilet seat lid. The victim discovered the setup, alerted her parents, prompting intervention and later an FBI investigation.
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A subsequent search of Thompson’s iCloud account revealed four additional recordings of girls aged between seven and 14 in aircraft bathrooms, more than 50 images of a nine-year-old unaccompanied minor—some taken while she slept or disembarked—and hundreds of AI-generated images depicting child sexual abuse.
The Court’s Ruling and Its Impact
In July 2025, U.S. District Judge Julia E. Kobick handed down a sentence of 18½ years in federal prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release during which Thompson must register as a sex offender and complete treatment programs. At sentencing, Thompson expressed remorse, calling his actions “selfish, perverse and wrong.” Prosecutors stressed the profound emotional harm inflicted on the victims and their families.
Judge Kobick described the defendant’s behavior as “appalling” and noted that the victims’ innocence was irreparably damaged.
Aftermath and Broader Implications
American Airlines immediately removed Thompson from service following the incident and has cooperated with law enforcement throughout the investigation. Meanwhile, at least one victim’s family has filed a civil lawsuit alleging the airline failed to recognize warning signs and protect children, prompting calls for policy reform to ensure passenger safety in the future.
The case has become emblematic of concerns surrounding airline employee misconduct and the necessity for stronger safeguards against exploitation.
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