Former U.S. Air Force captain Robert Prussak, 57, faced intense scrutiny after being accused of kidnapping, drugging, and assaulting a young French girl in London.
The allegations stemmed from an incident in April when Prussak reportedly encountered the nine-year-old outside Harrods, one of London’s landmark department stores.
The child had gotten separated from her family, sparking a sequence of events that led to Prussak’s court trial.
He was ultimately acquitted of all charges, but his story didn’t end there.
Verdict of ‘Not Guilty’ and Immediate Re-Arrest
As the verdicts were announced at Isleworth Crown Court, Prussak broke down in tears, relieved by the jury’s decision to clear him of all six charges, including kidnapping and sexual assault.
However, moments after leaving the courtroom, police re-arrested him on suspicion of possessing and creating indecent images of children, following an investigation that revealed potentially incriminating content on an electronic device.
The Events Leading Up to the Incident
During the trial, Prussak recounted his version of the events outside Harrods.
He claimed he saw the young girl standing alone, appearing lost, which brought to mind his own daughters and prompted him to help.
Prussak used a translation app to communicate with the girl, and when she indicated her parents had been nearby, he began walking with her in the hope of finding them.
Unable to locate a nearby police station due to the rain, Prussak brought the child to his apartment, where they could wait in safety.
However, he insisted his intention was only to keep her safe and locate her family.
Allegations of Drugging
The prosecution claimed that Prussak had drugged the girl with a sedative found in her urine, raising suspicions about his intentions.
However, the defense argued there was no evidence of Benadryl in the drinking glasses, and Prussak maintained his innocence, asserting he gave her only water.
Prussak later escorted the girl through Hyde Park to find assistance, eventually encountering police officers near the Israeli Embassy.
Family’s Testimony and the Stress of Separation
The girl’s family, testifying remotely, recalled the distress they felt while separated from her at Harrods.
They provided police with a photo, aiding in the search, and were devastated upon seeing footage of their daughter leaving with a stranger, which fueled fears of abduction.
Despite these fears, Prussak was acquitted, with jurors determining there wasn’t enough evidence to support the charges of kidnapping or assault.
A Career as a Pilot and Life After the Trial
With nearly two decades in the U.S. Air Force, Prussak’s life took various turns, including stints as a commercial pilot for Walmart and eventually as an independent contractor to spend more time with his children.
The former Air Force captain was in London for a job interview at the time of the incident.
Judge Edward Connell confirmed Prussak’s release following the trial’s conclusion.
New Allegations and Legal Proceedings Ahead
Despite being cleared of the initial charges, Prussak now faces fresh allegations related to indecent images of children.
Authorities detained him overnight, and he is set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court to address the new charges.
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