According to The Mercury, Edward Decker, 46, of East Goshen pleaded guilty before a U.S. District Judge to one count of abusive sexual contact aboard an aircraft. His sentencing is scheduled for September 23rd.

Disturbing In-Flight Assault on 15-Year-Old Girl

According to court documents, Decker intentionally touched the thigh and breast of a sleeping 15-year-old girl during an overnight American Airlines flight from San Diego to Philadelphia on July 29, 2022.

The victim awoke to find Decker, who was seated in her row, with his hands under her clothing and on her body in a brazen act of sexual abuse.

“The facts of this case are incredibly disturbing — a parent’s nightmare, really,” stated U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero. “Not only should people feel safe putting their kids on a plane…everyone should feel free to close their eyes mid-flight without fearing a seatmate’s intentions.”

Decker now faces a maximum possible sentence of three years imprisonment for the abusive sexual contact conviction stemming from the cross-country flight assault.

Crackdown on In-Flight Sexual Crimes

Both federal prosecutors and the FBI have emphasized their commitment to aggressively pursuing and charging anyone who commits criminal sexual misconduct aboard aircraft.

“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 the FBI’s Philadelphia office. “We encourage everyone to be aware of their surroundings while in flight and to report incidents.”

The FBI conducted the investigation into Decker’s crimes which are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh A. Davison.

Defense Claims Victim Didn’t Appear Underage

While the criminal charges clearly identify Decker’s victim as a 15-year-old minor during the July 2022 flight, the defense attorney is reportedly contending that the person Decker assaulted did not outwardly appear to be underage.

Evan Kelly of the West Chester law firm Bellwoar Kelly, who is representing Decker, could not be reached for additional comment on this potential legal strategy ahead of sentencing later this year.

However, such defenses regarding the perceived age of a victim have historically faced long odds in cases of criminal sexual misconduct, especially given the vulnerability and trauma experienced by the victim in this case aboard the cross-country flight.

As Decker’s sentencing approaches, the case stands as a stark reminder of the need for heightened vigilance and accountability when it comes to preventing and severely punishing sexual crimes and abuse – especially those committed against minors in the supposed safety of a commercial airline cabin. I sincerely hope you find this “Chester County Man Abuse Teen on a Cross-Country Flight? What really Happened?” article helpful.

Skylar Lacey

Skylar Lacey, a Travel and Tourism Management graduate from Temple University, offers 5 years of experience in travel writing and airport logistics at PhiladelphiaAirport.net. Her expertise helps travelers make the most of their journeys through Philadelphia International Airport. Connect with her on Instagram for more travel tips and insights.

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