Matthew Podolsky, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, has announced charges against Dior Jay-Jarrett. The complaint accuses Jay-Jarrett of defrauding a major airline out of nearly $70,000 by falsely claiming military leave to obtain free or discounted flights. Jay-Jarrett was arrested and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Katharine H. Parker.
Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky stated, "As alleged, Jay-Jarrett—a federal law enforcement officer who currently serves as a Federal Air Marshal for the Department of Homeland Security—racked up thousands of dollars in free or discounted flights while pretending to be deployed on military missions around the world. He did so while simultaneously swearing an oath to protect and serve the public. Federal law enforcement officers are responsible for upholding our laws, and they will be held responsible when they break them."
According to the complaint, Jay-Jarrett served in the U.S. Marine Corps from December 2013 until November 2022. While still active-duty, he began working as a baggage handler for an airline referred to as "Airline-1" in October 2021. After one week of training, he requested eight months of military leave using falsified documents.
In June 2023, Jay-Jarrett allegedly submitted more false documents to extend his military leave by two-and-a-half years, despite having retired from the Marines in November 2022. In July 2024, he reportedly reused these falsified orders.
Jay-Jarrett continued receiving travel benefits from Airline-1 even after becoming a Federal Air Marshal with the Department of Homeland Security in October 2022. From November 2021 through September 2024, he took at least 130 flights valued at nearly $70,000.
During an interview on September 29, 2024, Jay-Jarrett admitted retiring from the Marine Corps without informing Airline-1 and submitting false military orders.
Jay-Jarrett faces one count of wire fraud with a maximum sentence of 20 years if convicted. The sentence will be determined by a judge.
Podolsky commended the investigative work by various agencies including Naval Criminal Investigative Service Northeast Field Office and others involved in this case handled by the General Crimes Unit with Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan T. Nees leading prosecution efforts.
The charge is an accusation; Jay-Jarrett is presumed innocent until proven guilty.