Mohammad Jawad Ansari, a 50-year-old man from Diamond Bar, California, was recently sentenced to 21 months in federal prison for deliberately touching the inner thigh of a female passenger who was asleep during a flight from Cleveland to Los Angeles on February 17, 2020. This case draws attention to the enduring issue of sexual assault in flight, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Central District of California.
United States District Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha additionally ordered Ansari to pay fines and assessments totaling $40,450 and mandated his registration as a sex offender. Ansari was accused and found guilty of one count of abusive sexual contact following a four-day trial in May as per U.S. Attorney's Office.
During to the flight, as the victim fell asleep in the adjacent middle seat, Ansari placed his hand on her knee and moved it up her thigh without her consent. The victim awoke, repulsed Ansari, and reported the incident to a flight attendant.
Prosecutors claimed the victim suffered immmediate and ongoing distress as a result of the assault, including a fear of sleeping during flights. In response to these persisting concerns, the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office has issued a public service announcement to raise awareness about sexual assault on airplanes and to encourage victims to report such incidents.
Given the rising concerns about sexual assault flights, passengers should take action by reporting incidents to flight staff or through the FBI's online tip submission form.
