Sentence Also Includes Fine And Community Service

Appleton, WI resident Phyliss Dintenfass received one year federal probation earlier this week over a September 2004 incident when she asked a TSA screener "how would you like it if I did that to you?" as she grabbed the female screener's breasts, in response to a pat-down search.

Dintenfass, 63, was also ordered by US District Judge William Griesbach to complete 100 hours of community service for the incident, as well as pay a fine of $2,000, according to the Janesville, WI Gazette. Dintenfass was convicted in July of one count of assault on a federal employee.

Prosecutors argued Dintenfass reacted to the pat-down after she was singled out by screener Anita Gostisha for more thorough screening after her hairpins and pants buttons set off the walk-through metal detector at Appleton's Outagamie County Regional Airport.

When -- as part of what prosecutors maintained was the standard pat-down process -- Gostisha placed the back of her hands under Dintenfass's breasts, the retired technical school teacher grabbed Gostisha's breasts and pushed the screener into a glass partition.

Judge Griesbach noted in his ruling that Dintenfass's actions likely resulted from a split-second decision, and were not indicative of a pattern of aggressive or threatening behavior. He also noted prior to the incident, Dintenfoss led a law-abiding life -- however, he added it is important to protect public employees.

"We are not here to recognize her for a good life," he said. "We're here because she committed a crime."

FMI: www.tsa.gov