Former Pilot, Woman Convicted In Sex Abuse Case Should Face 230 Years To Life: Contra Costa Jury

CONTRA COSTA, CA — A former Delta pilot and his ex-girlfriend face 230 years to life after being convicted of sexually abusing the woman's young daughter, Contra Costa County prosecutors said.

Separate juries convicted the former airline co-pilot and the Walnut Creek woman of repeatedly sexually abusing the girl, finding each guilty on all 20 charges in Contra Costa Superior Court.

A jury convicted Jennifer Spitz Powell, 46, on Monday. A second jury convicted Rustom Bhagwagar, 35, on Tuesday.

Each defendant faces a maximum sentence of 230 years to life in state prison. Both remain in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility and will receive sentences at a future date.

The juries found each defendant guilty of eight counts of oral copulation or sexual penetration with a child 10 years old or younger and 12 counts of forcible lewd acts upon a child under 14.

Evidence presented to both juries showed that the abuse began when the girl was 7 and occurred from approximately Oct. 17, 2017, through Oct. 16, 2022.

Powell, who was in a relationship with Bhagwagar, participated with him in numerous acts of abuse.

Judge Danielle Douglas presided over the case in Martinez. The court used a rare dual-jury format to try both defendants simultaneously while ensuring each jury heard only evidence applicable to its assigned defendant.

The District Attorney’s Office withheld the girl’s name to protect her identity.

“This young survivor showed extraordinary courage by testifying in court and facing the people who used duress to harm her,” District Attorney Diana Becton said in a news release.

“These verdicts hold both defendants accountable. I am grateful to our entire team for their dedication in seeking, serving, and doing justice in this case.”

Deputy District Attorney Haleigh Parkinson of the Sexual Assault Unit prosecuted the case with support from legal assistants, a victim advocate, and victim support staff.