A news release from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington stated that a Washington man pled guilty Thursday to criminal assault after touching a woman on a plane.
Desmond Bostick, 25, pled guilty in a Seattle courtroom and faces up to ten years in jail. According to court filings, while sitting in the aisle seat on an Alaska Airlines flight from San Diego to Seattle in June 2023, Bostick allegedly invaded the personal space of the female passenger next to him. He groped the woman’s thigh and grabbed her buttocks as she rose up to allow another passenger in their row to pass, according to the press release.
“In the plea agreement, Bostick admits he touched the victim to arouse his sexual desire,” the news announcement reads.
Bostick grabbed her again as she moved to allow the same passenger to reenter, according to a DOJ press statement.
The sufferer contacted the flight crew after landing, sparking an investigation by authorities. Despite having left the airport, a federal grand jury indicted Bostick on September 27, 2023, prompting the FBI to arrest him in February.
As part of the plea agreement, both the prosecution and defense recommend a nine-month prison term. The news release states that U.S. District Judge Jamal Whitehead has the ability to inflict any penalty authorized by law. The FBI conducted the investigation, with assistance from the Port of Seattle Police.
Bostick’s sentencing is slated for July 18, 2024.