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CEDAR RAPIDS — A Nebraska man was convicted last month in federal court for attempting to open a SkyWest plane’s exit door, causing the flight to be diverted to The Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids in July.

Mario Marco Nikprelaj, 23, of Elkhorn, Neb., pleaded Sept. 23 in U.S. District Court to one count of interference with flight crew members and attendants.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Morfitt said there wasn’t a plea agreement and Nikprelaj faces up to 20 years in prison. He will likely receive less time based on the recommended sentencing guidelines.

He was initially charged by complaint and later indicted on the interference charge.

Nikprelaj remains in jail under custody with

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