Millionaire put plane on autopilot to have sex with 15-year-old
In the United States, a harrowing incident of sexual abuse has caught attention. A millionaire, identified as Stephen Bradley Mell, has been arrested for abusing a 15-year-old minor. The alleged abuse took place in 2017 after the victim's mother introduced her to Mell. She wanted the teen to learn flying, but her daughter was abused instead. Mell has pleaded guilty and now faces sentence.
The victim was Mell's flying student, he exploited her repeatedly
Mell belongs to New Jersey and lives with his mother in South Carolina. His love for flying and involvement in community services made him a local star. However, his predatory nature remained hidden. In 2017, Mell abused the victim for some six months. He had sexual intercourse with the girl, took nude photos of her, and even purchased an emergency contraceptive pill.
In fact, Mell sexually abused the girl mid-air
One particular incident of abuse which was highlighted in the federal complaint happened on July 20, 2017. Mell took the victim out of Somerset Airport and while they were returning home, he abused her mid-air. He had put the plane on autopilot mode, the complaint added. Reportedly, Mell, who is a father of three kids, stayed in touch with the victim until November 2017.
Mell wanted the girl to take birth control
The complaint highlighted that Mell regularly sent sexually explicit messages to the girl. One of the texts read: "If you are nervous it will hurt more. When you are turned on is when it will feel ok." In yet another message he asked her to send a "nice naked pic". On one occasion, Mell even "begged" the girl to take birth control.
Mell's legal team called him a 'humble man'
Despite the heinousness of the crime, Mell's legal time defended him. They called him a "humble man" and pointed out that he suffered from depression. They said that in 2012, Mell gave up his seat on a fatal helicopter trip with friends in 2012. Since the incident, he has been suffering from "survivors' guilt", they argued. But the case against him was rock solid.
Mell may serve five years in prison
The court heard the arguments but didn't announce the sentence. Meanwhile, reports claimed that Mell might serve a five-year prison sentence and could be listed as a sex offender. On the other hand, his wife has also filed for divorce.
