THE niece of former New Jersey governor and Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie is now facing new charges one year after she was kicked off a flight.
Shannon Epstein, 26, has been accused of drunkenly kicking, and spitting on police deputies ahead of the New Jersey-bound flight from New Orleans.
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On Monday, the Jefferson Parish District Attorney's Office formally filed charges against her, NOLA.com reported.
She has been charged with several crimes, including felony resisting police by force or violence and two counts of disturbing the peace by public intoxication, a misdemeanor.
The alleged incident occurred on Thanksgiving Day 2022, when Epstein was on board a Spirit Airlines flight.
While the plane was taxiing, the former New Jersey governor's niece reportedly asked a Hispanic family sitting near her if they were smuggling cocaine.
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Shortly after, the plane returned to the gate so Epstein could be removed from the flight.
However, Epstein reportedly refused to get off and was seen screaming at Spirit Airlines employees.
Multiple deputies were dispatched to the jet bridge to remove her.
As they attempted to bring her into custody, Epstein allegedly spit at the deputies and punched and kicked them.
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She also allegedly bit one of the deputies, tearing his skin.
Six deputies in total reported minor injuries, police said, per NOLA.com.
At the time, Epstein also reportedly resorted to name-dropping political figures - including her uncle.
"Are you serious? Do you know who I am?" she screamed, according to a police report viewed by the New York Post.
“I’m related to some very powerful people and I need to get back on that plane to New Jersey.'”
“Do you know who I am? I’m Chris Christie’s daughter and you’re so f**ked," Epstein reportedly went on.
"You will lose your job over this s**t. I know Donald Trump."
Ultimately, officials resorted to using handcuffs and leg shackles to strap Epstein to a wheelchair.
At the time, Epstein was arrested and charged with six counts of battery of a police officer, three counts of disturbing the peace, one count of resisting arrest, and one count of remaining at a place after being forbidden, according to NOLA.com
She was released the same day on a $10,750 bond.
If she is convicted over the new charges, Epstein could face up to three years in prison.
The new charges come just days before Chris Christie is set to take the stage in the fourth Republican presidential primary debate on Wednesday.
The former New Jersey governor is expected to face off against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.
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Former President Donald Trump, who is currently leading the polls for the Republican candidacy, is again not expected to participate.
The fourth debate is being hosted by NewsNation and will be held at the University of Alabama.
