( CNN ) -- The caller thought to be at the center of a phony threat that forced a US Airways flight to return to Philadelphia has been federally charged for the hoax , authorities said Friday . Kenneth W. Smith Jr. , 26 , is accused of `` knowingly engaging in conduct with intent to convey false and misleading information , '' after allegedly making a Thursday morning phone call to police , reporting a false threat about a passenger with `` liquid explosive '' aboard Flight 1267 . The Philadelphia resident has since been arrested and could face up to 10 years in prison , $ 250,000 in fines and possible restitution , according to federal prosecutors . The suspected passenger , Christopher Shell , was briefly detained Thursday , though no explosives were found . Smith said his motive was to `` avenge '' Shell 's ex-girlfriend , because Shell had `` posted a compromising picture of her on Facebook , '' according to an affidavit . A passenger told CNN affiliate WPVI that federal agents boarded the plane , drew their weapons on Shell , pulled him out of his seat and quickly removed him from the plane . Authorities say the Airbus A319 , which was carrying 69 passengers , was cleared after all passengers were removed . Shell later boarded a second Dallas-bound flight Thursday , but he was again greeted by police when he landed . The 29-year-old birthday celebrant was arrested for unrelated outstanding warrants , said David Magana , a spokesman for Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport . It was not immediately clear if Shell has been charged . Neither Shell nor Smith could be reached for comment . Teen with Down syndrome stopped from boarding plane . Kudos for thoughtful fliers with babies . No need to look like a slob in flight . CNN 's Susan Candiotti contributed to this report .
Kenneth W. Smith Jr. has been arrested and could face up to 10 years in prison . He 's accused of ` ` engaging in conduct with intent to convey false and misleading information '' He allegedly reported a false threat in a Sunday morning phone call to police . Airport employee and target of the threat was arrested for unrelated outstanding charges .