SEATTLE MAN CONVICTED OF ABUSIVE SEXUAL CONTACT ON BILLINGS–SEATTLE FLIGHT

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON — A 55-year-old Seattle man has been convicted in federal court of abusive sexual contact aboard a commercial aircraft following a two-day jury trial in the Western District of Washington. The conviction stems from an August 11, 2023 flight from Billings, Montana to Seattle during which jurors determined the defendant intentionally groped a 19-year-old passenger seated beside him.

Keith Witt was found guilty of abusive sexual contact within the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez scheduled sentencing for May 22, 2026. The offense carries a statutory maximum penalty of up to two years in federal prison.

Federal court records and trial testimony established that the victim was seated in a window seat, with Witt occupying the adjacent aisle seat during the approximately 90-minute flight. According to testimony presented to the jury, Witt initiated conversation immediately after boarding and asked personal questions that made the victim uncomfortable. The victim testified that Witt touched her shoulder and earbuds during the interaction, prompting her to withdraw physically and attempt to disengage from further contact.

In an effort to avoid continued interaction, the victim feigned sleep and shifted her body toward the aircraft wall. Jurors heard evidence that over several minutes Witt placed his hand on the seat and then on the victim’s inner thigh. After pausing, he allegedly moved his hand upward toward the hem of her shorts. The victim testified that she flinched and that Witt temporarily withdrew his hand before slowly returning it to her thigh.

At one point, the victim opened her eye and observed what she described as visible sexual arousal. She testified that Witt appeared to be rubbing his erection while continuing to touch her leg. The victim then stood, moved toward the front of the aircraft, reported the conduct to flight attendants, and locked herself in the restroom. Evidence introduced at trial included testimony that she was crying and texted her mother immediately following the incident.

Flight crew members relocated Witt to a seat at the rear of the plane and notified airport authorities. Upon arrival at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Port of Seattle Police officers boarded the aircraft and conducted interviews with both Witt and the victim. The Federal Bureau of Investigation later assumed investigative responsibility given that crimes committed aboard aircraft in flight fall under federal jurisdiction pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 2244 and related statutes governing the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States.

During closing arguments, prosecutors emphasized corroborating testimony from witnesses who observed the victim in distress and noted the absence of any identifiable motive to fabricate allegations. The defense argued that any contact was inadvertent and the result of Witt falling asleep. In rebuttal, prosecutors asserted that the contact described by the victim reflected deliberate and progressive boundary testing rather than accidental movement.

The jury deliberated for approximately ninety minutes before returning a guilty verdict.

Abusive sexual contact aboard an aircraft is prosecuted federally because aircraft in flight are treated as extensions of federal territory. Such cases are evaluated based on intent, physical contact, and whether the conduct was knowingly performed without consent. Federal sentencing guidelines will consider factors including the nature of the contact, the defendant’s criminal history, and victim impact statements.

Incidents of in-flight sexual misconduct have drawn increasing federal enforcement attention in recent years as passenger volumes continue to rebound and airlines report elevated levels of onboard disturbances. Federal authorities have emphasized that aircraft cabins present confined environments where victims may have limited ability to avoid unwanted contact, elevating the seriousness of such offenses.

The case was investigated by the FBI in coordination with the Port of Seattle Police Department. Prosecution is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington.

Sentencing remains pending. The defendant stands convicted following the jury’s verdict.

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

🔥 NOW AVAILABLE! 🔥

‎👉 Eclipsera – Apple Music

---

---

---

---

---