A 26 year old Oregon man named Chad has been charged with one federal count of abusive sexual contact after a flight attendant reported an alleged incident involving an unaccompanied 13 year old girl on an American Airlines flight from Dallas to Portland, according to reports and a federal criminal complaint.
According to the complaint, the flight attendant noticed the alleged contact about 30 minutes after takeoff and saw that the girl appeared to be in distress. Flight attendants reportedly separated the two passengers and told the captain, who alerted officials. Reports say Chad was met at the gate by the FBI when the plane landed and was arrested.
The complaint also states that Chad was assigned the seat next to the girl, that the flight attendant offered him an empty seat on the half full plane, and that he declined.
On Monday, a federal judge ordered him to remain in custody for at least a month. On Thursday in U.S. District Court in Portland, his attorney entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. He is charged but has not been convicted, and the allegations have not been proven in court.
American Airlines responded to the incident with a statement: “We take these matters very seriously and have cooperated fully and immediately with law enforcement officials in their investigation of the suspect.”
The girl’s family reportedly paid an additional $300 round trip fee for her to fly as an unaccompanied minor, and according to reports they are preparing to sue the airline.
Made to order and shipped to your door.
