FBI: Greenfield man used AirDrop to send fake messages about bomb during flight

ABC affiliate KOAT

An American Airlines flight lands at the Albuquerque Sunport on Oct. 2, 2022. The plane was evacuated due to a security incident.<br/>

By: Michelle Kaufman

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M./GREENFIELD, Ind. — A Greenfield man was arrested by the FBI Monday morning in connection to an October investigation.

Federal officials say Keith Diemer, 35, sent false messages to fellow airline passengers using the Apple AirDrop system on Oct. 2, 2022.

"The messages warned passengers that he was going to blow up the plane and that there was a bomb on the plane. [The suspect's] false threats forced the plane to use emergency protocols to land," a news release read.

ABC affiliate KOAT reported American Airlines flight 928 was evacuated as part of the investigation. The flight originated in Dallas, Texas and was scheduled to land in Albuquerque.

One man whose wife was on the plane, but chose to remain anonymous told KOAT in October his wife informed him the alleged suspect sent a threatening message through AirDrop.

The indictment charges Diemer with conveying false and misleading information.

Authorities say Diemer could face up to five years in prison if convicted.

The case will be prosecuted in New Mexico.