March 06--A man arrested after his behavior allegedly forced a Southwest Airlines flight to divert to Portland was released from federal custody on Thursday.
Sheron Lamar Rogers, 27, may leave jail but must stay in Portland until a Friday afternoon hearing, U.S. Magistrate Judge John Acosta said. The delay is to allow federal probation and pretrial services employees additional time to confirm the California address where he intends to stay.
Rogers has no criminal record as an adult, said Tom Price, an assistant federal public defender who was standing in for Rogers' court-appointed attorney.
Rogers was arrested Tuesday after a morning flight from Seattle to Sacramento made an unscheduled stop in Portland. According to an affidavit by FBI agent Jake Green, Rogers boarded the plane and began yelling that he had purchased a first-class ticket.
He was informed that Southwest did not have a first-class section, the affidavit states. He then proceeded to demand alcohol, used profanity and frightened other passengers, according to court filings. Flight attendants also alleged that he showed "gang signs."
Rogers, who told authorities he had previously smoked "purple hash," said any signs he threw were "for Jesus."
He is scheduled to be arraigned March 20.
-- Helen Jung
Copyright 2014 - The Oregonian, Portland, Ore.
