Homesick Hijacker Denied Bail; Danger To Community

MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) - The so-called homesick hijacker who returned from Cuba to face U.S. charges he hijacked a plane to Havana will not be released on bail before his trial.

A Miami federal magistrate ruled Tuesday that 56-year-old William Potts is a risk to flee prosecution and is a danger to the community. Potts is also charged in a 1984 New Jersey armed robbery.

William Potts entered a plea of not guilty after the 56-year-old returned from Cuba November 6th to face U.S. justice. Potts could get between 20 years and life in prison, but is seeking credit for the 13 years he already spent in Cuban prison for the hijacking.

Thirty years ago, Potts boarded a plane out of Newark Airport with a pistol. He hijacked the plane which was flying to Miami, and demanded the pilots fly the plane to Havana, Cuba. Potts described himself then as a black militant.

According to the Associated Press, he went to Cuba intending to learn how to overthrow the U.S. Government. Potts thought he'd be greeted as a hero by the Castro administration and trained in revolutionary military tactics. Instead, Cuba put him on trial and imprisoned him.

After Potts was released from prison he settled down with a Cuban woman, started a family and made his livelihood as a farmer.

He is now divorced but remains close with his ex-wife and voluntarily returned to the U.S.

Potts' daughters were allowed to leave Cuba last year, and are now living in Georgia with family. Potts has said he has no interest anymore in overthrowing the American government. He said he just wants to be a father.

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)