USAO, Western District of North Carolina - Press Release

Summary

On November 19, 2013, Paul Tharp was indicted in U.S. District Court, Charlotte, North Carolina. It is alleged that Tharp co-piloted a multi-engine plane on three occasions without having the necessary multi-engine pilot ratings. Tharp also falsely presented himself as an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic to the FAA to obtain a ferry permit. The permit was needed to fly a plane that was not airworthy from Pennsylvania to North Carolina. Tharp told an FAA Investigator that he was an A&P mechanic, gave the A&P number of another mechanic, and assured the investigator the plane was safe to fly.

Note:  Indictments, informations, and criminal complaints are only accusations by the Government. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.