Spirit Airlines Pilot ‘Removed From Duty’ After Being Charged with Stalking 2 Children

A Spirit Airlines pilot has been taken off duty following his arrest over allegations of stalking two minors, according to authorities.

Dominic A. Cipolla faces two counts of intentional stalking involving minors, as outlined in a complaint filed on July 11 in Johnson County Court, Kansas, and obtained by PEOPLE.

While the complaint does not disclose the specific ages of the victims, it states that one of the children is under 14. The incidents are alleged to have occurred in August 2024, though further details have not been publicly released.

Cipolla, 40, of Kansas City, Missouri, was arrested on July 17 at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, according to reports from The Guardian and Fox News.

In a statement issued to PEOPLE on Wednesday, August 6, a Spirit Airlines spokesperson said: “We are aware of a matter involving a Pilot at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), which was unrelated to the performance of their job duties. The Pilot was removed from duty pending our investigation into the matter, and we arranged for another Pilot to operate the flight.”

According to online court records, Cipolla was released from custody on August 2 after posting a $12,500 bond. It is unclear whether he has entered a plea. PEOPLE was unable to reach his attorney, Brandan Davies, for comment.

However, Davies previously told The Guardian that “Mr. Cipolla denies the allegations against him and asks that the media allow the court process to take place.”

Cipolla’s next court appearance is scheduled for August 12.