The man accused of disrupting a flight so badly it was forced to divert to Anchorage pleaded guilty Friday.
Nobuya Michael Ochinero, 38, was accused of yelling obscenities at the flight crew after attendants refused to serve him more alcohol back in February.
He also pushed flight attendants, threw things and spat at other passengers. According to charging documents, Ochinero said he pushed flight attendants because “I didn’t want them to touch me.”
The All Nippon Airways flight was headed to New York City from Tokyo when it was diverted to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.
Ochinero said he consumed four shots of gin and two beers during the flight, charging documents say. Ochinero had a blood alcohol level of 0.137, taking the test about three hours after the plane landed.
Flight attendants, along with the help of three passengers, restrained Ochinero with zip ties.
A search of his luggage revealed pill packets and other medications. Ochinero told investigators they were used to treat psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and gout.
Friday he pleaded guilty to one count of interfering with a flight crew. As part of his plea, Ochinero agreed to pay restitution to the airline, according to a statement from the U.S. district attorney’s office.
His sentencing is scheduled for July 7.
–Hope Miller contributed reporting to this story.