PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — An off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot who forced an emergency landing in Portland in 2023 after he said he had a mental health crisis and blamed psychedelic mushrooms has learned his fate in federal court.
Joseph Emerson was sentenced by a federal judge on Monday to time served and was told to pay $60,000 in restitution, which he’s already paid. He is also required to serve three years of supervised release. No home detention will be required.
Emerson could have received a maximum of 20 years in prison.
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In October 2023, Emerson flew in a jump seat in the cockpit, which is used by off-duty pilots to fly…