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Semaj Booker made his first appearance before a judge on charges of auto theft and fleeing police.

Booker returned to Washington state after authorities said he talked his way onto two Southwest Airlines flights earlier this month and traveled from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to San Antonio, Texas.

His odyssey has sparked calls for a federal investigation into how he could get past security and board cross-country flights with no ticket and no identification.

The judge said the case is taking the juvenile justice system into uncharted waters because of the age of the defendant and the amount of media attention he is getting.

Booker is accused of stealing three cars in the past month and a half. Prosecutors said they had little choice but to bring his case before a judge.

"This is a very unique situation for us as a prosecutor's office," said deputy prosecutor Fred Wist. "We have not ever charged a 9-year-old, and because of the circumstances, we did feel the Legislature gave us an opportunity to put this issue to a judge."

Booker's mother, Sakinah Booker, left court without commenting on her son or the international media attention he is getting in the wake of his cross-country flight.

Responding to a question, Booker's attorney said he is looking into the possibility of a lawsuit against Southwest Airlines or the Transportation Security Administration.

Previous Story: January 17, 2007: Boy Sneaks Past Security, Boards Flight