Federal air marshal allegedly took photos up women's skirts on flight

NASHVILLE, Oct. 18 (UPI) -- Nashville International Airport police removed a federal air marshal from a flight after he allegedly took photos underneath women's dresses, officials said. 

A fellow passenger on Southwest Airlines Flight 3132 from Nashville to Tampa, Fla., said Adam J. Bartsch used his cellphone to take photographs up women's dresses as they boarded the flight Thursday.

The witness grabbed Bartsch's phone and notified a flight attendant, WSMV-TV, Nashville, reported Thursday.

"We removed a passenger from Flight No. 3132 from Nashville to Tampa prior to departure due to a customer concern that was brought to our attention. We turned the matter over to local law enforcement, and the passenger did not travel as scheduled. The rest of the passengers and crew continued on to Tampa as scheduled," Southwest Airlines said in a statement.

Bartsch allegedly admitted to airport police he took the photographs, WSMV said.

"TSA does not tolerate criminal behavior. The agency has removed this individual from his current duties and is in the process of suspending or terminating his employment. TSA is cooperating fully with investigators," TSA spokesman David Castelveter said.