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Contra Costa County prosecutors are gearing up for a criminal child sex abuse trial with San Ramon Valley ties that stemmed from a prominent arrest at San Francisco International Airport last year in which a then-Delta co-pilot was arrested from the cockpit upon landing.
Jury selection took place on Monday and Tuesday in the trial for Rustom Bhagwagar and his former girlfriend Jennifer Spitz Powell, both of whom are facing a slew of felony charges for allegedly sexually assaulting and abusing a relative of Powell’s during their time as a couple living in Alamo then Walnut Creek.
Both defendants have been in custody at county detention facilities since last year, when Bhagwagar’s prominent arrest drew regional and national headlines on July 26, 2025, followed by Powell’s arrest several days later. They have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The two were arraigned the following month, during which it was revealed that Bhagwagar’s arrest had stemmed from Powell’s cooperation with a sheriff’s investigation spurred by revelations from the alleged victim during sessions with a therapist who was subject to mandatory reporting requirements.
According to prosecutors and Powell’s defense, she contacted Bhagwagar years after their relationship had ended, with law enforcement recording the phone call. Bhagwagar had been reluctant to discuss the “sex stuff” on the call, but said he would come to the Bay Area to speak with her in person, with the trip resulting in last year’s arrest.
Bhagwagar and Powell are both being held on $15 million bail. A spokesperson for the district attorney’s office said that opening statements were expected in mid-September.
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