Pilot surrenders to face upskirt-photo charges

A US Airways pilot, accused of inappropriately photographing a teenage girl, turned himself in to Philadelphia police this morning.

Joseph Pereira, 55, of Wexford, Pa., was questioned by police after, according to a witness, he used a cellphone about 7:15 p.m. Thursday to take pictures up the skirt of a 15-year-old girl in a terminal at Philadelphia International Airport.

Police obtained a warrant to check the cellphone, then obtained a warrant for Pereira's arrest, police said.

US Airways suspended the pilot on Friday as the investigation got underway.

On Sunday, Periera resigned as girls softball coach at North Allegheny High School in Wexford, about 15 miles north of Pittsburgh, according to school district spokeswoman Joy Ed.

There were "no allegations here at all" during his more than 12 years sharing coaching duties, she said.

Pereira will face one charge of invasion of privacy, a misdemeanor, and another of harrassment, a summary offense, according to the District Attorney's Office.

Pereira surrendered this morning while accompanied by his attorney, according to police spokesman Lt. Frank Vanore.