EXCLUSIVE: Backlash feared from sex trial of air marshal

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By Audrey Hudson

The director of the Federal Air Marshal Service is warning that a criminal trial in Britain could have serious implications for the agency's international mission, including the possibility of its agents being barred from some overseas flights.

An air marshal identified in court only as JFB, 42, from Massachusetts, is accused of sexually assaulting a 23-year-old Royal Navy worker in January 2008 while she was unconscious after drinking too much alcohol with the accused and other air marshals.

"The impact of these charges on the reputation and operations of the Federal Air Marshal Service is serious," Director Robert Bray said in a memo that was obtained by The Washington Times.

"It is likely that sustained negative publicity could result in host-country reviews of our procedures, not only in the United Kingdom, but very possibly by other host governments," the memo said.

The Times requested comment from Mr. Bray about the memo but did not receive a reply in time for publication.

American air marshals began protecting flights on U.S. aircraft into several British airports after the August 2006 arrest of several men there who have since been convicted of an attempted terrorist attack on planes bound for the U.S.

The stepped-up security was initially protested by British pilots because American air marshals carry guns.

Asked about the potential backlash from the trial, one Homeland Security Department official said the main concern is the marshals' continued ability to board and protect flights.

"They don't have to let us in, that's the bottom line," the official said. "That would be a very strong concern, in fact, to not cover flights."

A British Embassy spokesman said the embassy was not inclined to speak on the matter while the trial is ongoing.