George Stevens, a 38-year-old from South Carolina, has been sentenced to 33 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. The sentence comes after Stevens pleaded guilty to charges of interference with security screening personnel and assaulting a federal officer.
Court documents reveal that on July 15, 2023, Stevens was at the Indianapolis International Airport's TSA Checkpoint A when a screening machine alarm indicated further inspection was necessary. Complying initially, he became verbally abusive during the pat-down search conducted by a Transportation Security Officer (TSO), calling the officer a "freak" multiple times.
A supervisor called to the scene noted Stevens appeared intoxicated and non-compliant. As instructed to remove his belt, Stevens squatted and shook his buttocks at officers and passengers nearby. He then exposed himself by dropping his jeans and underwear before an Indianapolis Airport Police Department (APD) officer arrived.
The incident unfolded publicly, including in front of families with children trying to pass through security. Upon arrest by APD officers, it was noted that Stevens had a criminal history involving domestic violence and firearms offenses.
John E. Childress, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana stated: “Our Indianapolis International Airport is one of the finest airports in the country... Let this message be heard far and wide; the lewd and violent behavior towards security staff demonstrated by Mr. Stevens in this case will not be tolerated in this district.”
Aaron Batt, TSA Indiana Federal Security Director added: “TSA officers at Indianapolis International Airport work tirelessly... We appreciate the support from local law enforcement and the U.S. Attorney’s Office when our officers or members of the public face harassment."
Herbert J. Stapleton, FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge remarked: "This sentence underscores the FBI’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for criminal acts against those who serve and safeguard the public."
The investigation involved collaboration between FBI, TSA, and APD with U.S. District Judge James R. Sweeney II imposing the sentence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Olivier prosecuted this case under Acting U.S. Attorney Childress' oversight.