A Delta plane was diverted after an unruly passenger caused a disturbance when he allegedly slapped a flight attendant over a dispute about drink service.  

Cody James Maluck, 32, was arrested on May 9 after a flight from Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles was diverted to Georgia due to a possible assault, according to a criminal complaint filed in federal court. 

A flight attendant, identified in court documents as PLL, told officers with the Atlanta Police Department at the gate that the inappropriate behavior began after she passed the passenger while handing out beverages. 

She said she thought Maluck was asleep, so she passed by his seat. He then allegedly slapped her behind with such force that her body was thrust forward, according to the complaint. 

PLL quickly turned around in shock. Maluck then allegedly raised his hands and mockingly said, 'I didn't do anything.' 

The lead flight attendant informed the pilot, who decided to divert the plane and notify the police. 

Maluck told police that he was wearing headphones and did not hear PLL ask him what he wanted to drink. 

He allegedly admitted to touching the flight attendant but denied slapping her with force. 

Maluck claimed that he did not mean to disrespect the attendant, but just wanted to get her attention. 

Federal air marshals alongside Atlanta police then arrested Maluck, and he was sent to the Atlanta City Detention Center. 

He was federally charged with interfering with flight crew members and staff by assaulting and intimidating them before a grand jury on June 3. 

The charge carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison or a fine of up to $25,000. 

Maluck appeared in court on May 11 and was ordered to be detained pending trial. His arraignment is scheduled for June 16. 

He has not yet entered a plea for the charge against him. 

A spokesperson for the airline said in a statement that Delta has 'zero tolerance for disruptive or unruly behavior on our flights. 

'We will always cooperate with law enforcement to address such conduct and protect our people,' they added. 

Public records indicate that Maluck has previously been arrested for minor crimes in Florida and California.  

Maluck's last listed address was in Indianapolis, Indiana. 

Since the flight was diverted to Georgia, he will be tried in the Northern District Court of Georgia. US Attorney Paul Rhinehart Jones is prosecuting the case. 

The Daily Mail has reached out to Maluck's attorney for comment on his behalf.