Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant Hired With Arrest Warrant For Fraud, Turns Himself In

Published Oct 30, 2026, 3:47 PM EDT Journalist – Aaron is an aviation and travel journalist with 14 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry. His background spans airport operations, aviation infrastructure, and travel consulting, having worked with global organizations across New Zealand, Europe, and North America. Combining industry expertise with firsthand travel experience across more than 52 countries and five continents, Aaron covers airlines, airports, aviation policy, and the wider travel sector. He is based in Canterbury, New Zealand. His work has been published in Simple Flying and featured by MSN, SAM CHUI Aviation & Travel, EIN News, Pakistan Defence, and Climate Depot. A newly trained Southwest Airlines flight attendant has turned himself in to authorities in Broward County, Florida, this week after he was facing third-degree grand theft charges. The 39-year-old male, Anthony Weaver, is alleged to have exploited an 85-year-old woman with his partner, James Calvert. The pair allegedly took advantage of the 85-year-old woman, who suffers from brain ischemia. This impaired her cognitive function, and Weaver and Calvert used this to their advantage by taking control of her accounts and paying personal bills with the woman's money. Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant Charged With Third Degree Grand Theft Credit: Robin Guess | Shutterstock Weaver, who, according to Paddle Your Own Kanoo (PYOK), finished his flight attendant training for Southwest, only completed his training this month and never flew for the airline. Simple Flying reached out to Southwest for confirmation on this; however, an airline spokesperson could not be reached. The claims against Weaver and his partner, Calvert, date back to the incident that occurred in 2020. The victim's daughter grew suspicious after a conversation between the pair, and this resulted in the daughter intervening and securing her mother's money. Calvert was arrested by authorities first, and Weaver then turned himself in to the local Broward County Jail within weeks of finishing cabin crew training with Southwest. Deceptive Pair Drains The Pensioner's Account Credit: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock Weaver and Calvert deceptively drained the pensioner's account by taking thousands of dollars to pay their own utility bills. The two also wrote checks out to themselves for personal use. The scheme ultimately unravelled when the daughter intervened. Investigators have alleged that the two befriended the women through a companion matching website called Papa Pal. Papa Pal is a platform that matches older adults and seniors with vetted, reliable caregivers. This is to help with everyday tasks around the house, or locally, such as transportation to appointments, assisting with grocery shopping or light housekeeping. To become a member on the platform, Papa Pal outlines on their website that each caregiver is vetted. Simple Flying reached out to Papa Pal and its parent company Papa on the matter, but a spokesperson could not immediately be reached. As suggested by the Aviation Journal, the Dallas-based budget airline, Southwest, had potentially hired the flight attendant while having an active arrest warrant for defrauding the Florida pensioner. How To Become A Flight Attendant At Southwest Airlines Credit: Joseph Creamer | Shutterstock To become a flight attendant for one of the world's largest airlines by fleet size (with Southwest having more than 800 active Boeing 737s), applicants must meet a number of core qualifications and stand out in the competitive application process. There are a number of physical and safety checks that are undertaken before you are able to complete final training. Applicants must be at least 20 years of age and legally authorized to work in the United States (by being a US citizen, permanent resident, or having a suitable work visa). It is expected that you are educated to the level of a high school diploma or GED. A valid passport is required, and allows all entry and exit from countries that are served by the airline (which includes destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean). The application process follows the steps below: Basic Requirements 20 years of age Can legally work in the US Valid passport Pass physical and appearance standards Application Process Join the talent community and apply Pass the interview stages If successful, receive a contingent job offer Training 4-week intensive training program at Southwest Airlines University in Dallas Reach key academic milestones, including memorizing up to 125 three-letter airport city codes There are strict physical and appearance standards that must be met, and applicants are required to pass the Pre-Placement Screening Test (PPST), which includes being able to lift to 50 pounds (23 kg) to shoulder height, being able to comfortably walk down narrow aisles, and being able to open overwing window exits. A clean, well-groomed appearance is required, and the airline has strict guidelines around tattoos and piercings. It is expected that you can pass the Department of Transportation (DOT) safety-sensitive drug and alcohol screening, which has a zero tolerance level for the use of marijuana. As part of these safety checks, it would have been likely that Weaver had a background check completed.