A 46-year-old Pennsylvania pleaded guilty earlier this week to one count of abusive sexual contact on an aircraft.
According to court documents, Edward Decker, 46, of West Chester, on or about July 29, 2022, while on board an American Airlines flight from San Diego, California, to Philadelphia, intentionally touched the thigh and breast of a minor while she was sleeping.
The victim woke up from her sleep on this overnight flight to find Decker, who was seated in her row, with his hands and face under her clothes and on her body.
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“The facts of this case are incredibly disturbing — a parent’s nightmare, really,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “Not only should people feel safe putting their kids on a plane to get from Point A to Point B, everyone should feel free to close their eyes mid-flight without fearing a seatmate’s intentions. We and the FBI will continue to crack down on these crimes aboard aircraft, to support and ensure justice for the victims.”
"This guilty plea demonstrates that those who commit sexual assault aboard aircrafts will be held responsible," said Wayne A. Jacobs, special agent in charge of FBI Philadelphia. "While our office will continue to aggressively pursue offenders, we encourage everyone to be aware of their surroundings while in flight and to report incidents of abusive sexual contact to their flight crew and the FBI.”
Sentencing is set for September 23, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. and the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of three years’ imprisonment.
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