White Man Who Slapped Black Baby On Plane To Be Sentenced Today

ATLANTA (AP) — A man who pleaded guilty to slapping a crying toddler on a flight is due in federal court for sentencing.

Joe Rickey Hundley pleaded guilty in October after reaching a plea agreement with federal prosecutors. His sentencing is set for Monday morning.

Prosecutors say Hundley used a racial slur to refer to the 19-month-old boy, who’s black, and then hit him under the right eye as the flight from Minneapolis began its descent to the Atlanta airport last February.

The misdemeanor simple assault charge carries a possible prison sentence of up to a year and a fine of up to $100,000. Prosecutors have recommended six months in prison, but Hundley reserved his right to argue for a lower sentence.

The judge isn’t required to follow the recommendations in the plea agreement.