First Alleged Outer Space Crime

Astronaut Anne McClain is being accused of the first ever crime committed in space. McClain, who is currently married to Summer Worden, is accused of logging into Worden’s personal bank account while aboard the International Space Station (ISS). She is not accused of taking money from the account, however. McClain has not actually been charged with a crime by a prosecuting entity though. Worden has filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Comission and the Inspector General of NASA. But the situation is making waves for its novelty.

McClain and Worden are married separated a year ago after Worden filed for divorce. Worden has a son from a previous relationship that the two were raising together. They are currently fighting over the custody of the child. McClain never legally adopted Worden’s child and Worden is arguing that she has no parental rights.

The Accusation

Worden alleges that McClain accessed her personal bank account in order to affect the outcome of the child custody dispute. It doesn’t appear that McClain moved any funds or took any funds from the account, but merely accessed it.

McClain denies any wrongdoing. She states she only accessed the bank account to make sure there were enough funds to care for the couple’s son and assess their finances. According to McClain, the password on the account, which she regularly accessed, had not been changed.

The Divorcing Couple

The couple is going through a bitter divorce headed to trial. McClain’s career includes graduating from West Point Academy, flying 800 hours in the Iraqi war, and being aboard the ISS for 6 months. She was one of the female astronauts that was included to be part of the all women space trek, but unfortunately the mission was cancelled due to no available space suits. Worden is an Air Force intelligence officer.

Space Law

The director of the Global Space Law Center at Cleveland State University, Mark Sundahl, is unaware of any other alleged crime or crimes committed while in space. He states all crimes, no matter were they are committed are subject to punishment. (Technically, though, McClain has not even been charged with a crime, let alone convicted). If an individual commits a crime in space they will be judged according to their own country’s laws and legal system. The United States, Europe, Russia, Japan, and Canada all have their own International Space Stations.

McClain and Worden’s divorce trial will start this month.

Charged With a Space Crime?

Do not hesitate to contact ArborYpsi Law if you have been charged with a crime in outer space. While we admittedly do not have any experience representing people charged with a crime in space, we will represent you with the same talent and ability that we would had you been charged with a crime alleged on planet Earth. Whether you find yourself in trouble for something that happened on Mars, Venus, or Uranus, ArborYpsi Law will have your back.

ArborYpsi Law Takeaways

Going through a divorce is difficult and painful for all parties involved. Two individuals lives are intertwined including their personal bank accounts, homes, children, family pets, automobiles, among other personal belongings. It can become confusing as to when one individual is no longer aloud to access a couple’s finances, especially if it’s a task they have routinely completed. It does not appear that McClain was committing a criminal act. However, it is up to a jury of McClain’s peers (not space aliens) to determine if McClain was conducting a crime, even if it was in space. It is important to remember, innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Call us

Call Criminal Defense Attorney Sam Bernstein at 734-883-9584 or e-mail at bernstein@arborypsilaw.com.

Sam Bernstein is an Ann Arbor Criminal Defense Lawyer.

ArborYpsi Law is located at 2750 Carpenter Rd #2 Ann Arbor, MI 48108.

Read More Legal News Articles

  • Meek Mill Wins Appeal for New Trial
  • A$AP Rocky’s Trial in Sweden Now Underway
  • What Will Happen to Old Marijuana Convictions Now That It’s Legal?
  • Cops Can Take Blood from Unconscious Drunk Driving Suspects Without Warrant

ArborYpsi Law Focuses on Criminal Defense

Sam Bernstein is a criminal defense lawyer in Washtenaw County. He has represented clients in Oakland, Wayne, Washtenaw, Livingston, Lenawee and Jackson County. He has practiced criminal defense in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Chelsea, Saline, Plymouth,  Canton, Westland, Novi, Howell, Wyandotte, Taylor, Detroit, Livonia, Warren, Southgate, Detroit, and Jackson among other Metro-Detroit cities

If you are going through a divorce call ArborYpsi Law. Attorney Sam Bernstein has years of experience divorcing couples with outcomes that are favorable for both parties. Divorce is difficult enough to not hire an experienced divorce attorney. Attorney Sam Bernstein promises to make the divorce process as easy and painless as possible.

Contact Information