Today (Oct 1) NISHAL KIRAN SANKAT (22) entered a plea to a single count of Burglary to a Conveyance (F3) and was adjudicated guilty by Judge Morgan Reinman.

The plea was part of an agreement reached after an extensive investigation by Melbourne Police, Melbourne Airport Police, Joint Terrorism Task Force, and the FBI found SANKAT acted alone and was suffering from depression and mental health issues when he boarded the American Airlines jet on September 20, 2018.

All of the involved law enforcement agencies agreed to accept SANKAT's guilty plea in conjunction with the revocation of his visa, immediate deportation to Trinidad, and placement on the U.S. "No Fly" list. Even with no prior criminal history, SANKAT's status as a convicted felon ensures he can never return to the United States. Additionally, the process to revoke his pilot license with the F.A.A. is currently underway.

SANKAT was sentenced to time served in the county jail (12 days), and also ordered to pay the cost of the Melbourne Airport Police investigation totaling $909.45. SANKAT's deportation will be overseen by the FBI and JTTF. Questions surrounding the SANKAT investigation should be directed to Lori Booker, spokesperson Melbourne Airport Police (321) 723-6227.

Todd Brown
Public Information &
Communications
(321) 617-7310
(321) 704-0220 Mobile

Office of the State Attorney
18th Judicial Circuit
2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way
Building D
Viera, Fl. 32940