Rustom Bhagwager. Source: CCC Sheriff. Graphic: CCDA
He faces 24 felony charges, now held on $15 million bail; both face 15 years to life in state prison
By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
Martinez, California – Today, Tuesday, July 29, 2025, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office filed a 24-count felony complaint in Superior Court against a Florida man related to the sexual abuse of a minor between 2018 and 2023 in Contra Costa County.
34-year-old Rustom Bhagwagar is currently in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility on a $15 million and will be arraigned on 24 felony charges that include: engaging in a sexual act with a child 10 years old or younger, oral copulation with a child, forceable lewd acts upon a child, and aggravated sexual assault of a child.
This internationally covered case was originally brought to light by local media reporting after the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office arrested Bhagwagar at SFO on Saturday.
Additionally, 45-year-old Jennifer Powell has also been charged in a related felony complaint and has been booked into the Martinez Detention Facility. The charges in both complaints carry terms of 15 years to life in state prison. (See related article)
Due to the victim’s age and the nature of the allegations, the victim will not be named by the District Attorney’s Office in order to protect her identity.
Bhagwagar, who worked as a co-pilot with a commercial airline, was arrested on July 26th, around 9:40 pm at San Francisco International Airport by deputies with the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office – with assistance from the Department of Homeland Security. (See related article)
Once Bhagwagar enters a plea to the charges in court, his case will proceed to a preliminary hearing of the evidence by a judge. Bahgwagar’s arraignment on the charges is scheduled for 1:35 pm in Martinez on July 30th.
District Attorney Diana Becton said, “Our office stands firmly committed to protecting children and holding those who cause harm accountable. Every child deserves to feel safe, protected, and heard when an injustice like this occurs. By pursuing these cases vigorously, we not only seek justice for victims but also work to safeguard our entire community from those who would prey on children.”
Case No. 01-25-02241 | The People of the State of California v. Rustom Bhagwagar
Case No. 01-25-02242 | The People of the State of California v. Jennifer Powell
Asregadoo was asked for Powell’s city of residence and where the crimes occurred. He later responded, “We’re not going to disclose any additional information about the defendant you’re asking about. For now, we’re hoping media outlets won’t disclose information that could negatively affect the victim. She’s listed as a Jane Doe in the complaint and is a minor.”
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Leave a Reply