Plane stowaway arrested in Phoenix says she’s ill

PHOENIX (AP) — A woman accused of trying to sneak aboard multiple flights without a ticket and arrested at a Phoenix airport this week says she suffers from an unrecognized mental illness.

Marilyn Jean Hartman gave teary, often rambling explanations for her behavior Thursday at a Phoenix jail.

The 62-year-old Hartman says she’s homeless, suffers from “whistleblower trauma syndrome” and has been medically diagnosed with major depression.

She was arrested Tuesday near baggage claim at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on suspicion of criminal trespass.

Hartman says her last psychological evaluation occurred about a year ago. Phoenix police are requesting a mental-health evaluation for her.

Hartman recently was sentenced to 117 days in jail for violating probation by returning to Los Angeles International Airport, but she was released Aug. 16 because of overcrowding.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up