Air marshal accused of taking photos under skirts

Adam Tamburin | The (Nashville) Tennessean

NASHVILLE -- The federal air marshal arrested Thursday for allegedly taking cell phone photos underneath women's dresses and skirts as they boarded a Nashville flight has been relieved of all duties, according to the Federal Air Marshal Service.

Adam J. Bartsch, 28, was charged with disorderly conduct after police said he admitted to the alleged crime.

A police affidavit said a witness grabbed Bartsch's cell phone during the boarding of Southwest Airlines flight 3132 from Nashville to Tampa and showed it to a flight attendant.

"(The Transportation Security Administration) does not tolerate that sort of criminal behavior," said Michael Pascarella, spokesman for the Federal Air Marshal Service, which is overseen by the TSA.

Pascarella said Bartsch had been relieved of his duties. The TSA is in the process of suspending or terminating his employment.

Bartsch was released from jail Thursday night on a $10,000 bond.

He has worked for the TSA for about three years, Pascarella said.