SEATTLE — A Kansas man was arrested after arriving at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport following allegations that he sexually assaulted a fellow passenger during an overnight Delta Air Lines flight from Kona, Hawaii, federal prosecutors announced.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington, Dominic Cortez Nichols, 31, of Kansas, was taken into custody upon the aircraft’s arrival at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Nichols made his initial appearance in federal court and was ordered detained until a release plan could be established that includes a chaperone to accompany him back to Kansas.
According to the criminal complaint, the incident began during the boarding process in Kona when a 27-year-old woman discovered Nichols occupying her assigned window seat. Prosecutors allege that instead of vacating the seat so she could enter normally, Nichols moved into the middle seat, requiring the woman to climb over him to reach her assigned seat next to the window.
Federal prosecutors allege that with less than two hours remaining in the overnight flight, the victim was attempting to sleep with her hands positioned between her thighs when Nichols reached his hand between her hands and intentionally touched her inner thigh and groin area.
According to court documents, the victim immediately activated the flight attendant call button to report the incident. Flight crew members responded, and the woman was relocated to a different seat for the remainder of the flight.
Federal law prohibits abusive sexual contact aboard aircraft operating within the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. If convicted, Nichols faces a maximum penalty of two years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.
Federal prosecutors noted that the criminal complaint is an allegation only. Nichols is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Authorities also stated that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington has charged 13 defendants with abusive sexual contact aboard aircraft over the past several years, underscoring continued federal enforcement efforts involving alleged in-flight sexual assaults.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Port of Seattle Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda McDowell.
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What are people like this like when they aren’t on a plane flight? If found guilty of what he is being accused of I think the prison time and fine sound about right. When people don’t even feel safe from guys like this in such a close environment a message needs to be sent. We can’t tolerate this kind of behavior.
I hope he gets a fair trial and a sentence that fits his crime.
Thank you for this article.
You’re very welcome, Chris.
That’s a good question. I can’t imagine what they would be like outside of that environment, but it’s certainly concerning if the allegations are proven true. Cases like this are a reminder of why every allegation deserves a thorough investigation and why every defendant is entitled to due process under the law.
If the allegations are proven in court, accountability is very important, especially when the alleged conduct occurs in a confined environment where passengers should be able to feel safe. We seem to be coming across cases like this more and more these days. It’s truly sad and very unfortunate. If he is proven guilty, I agree that the penalties should reflect the seriousness of the crime.
Thank you again for reading and for taking the time to share your thoughts, Chris. I hope you have a great day ahead. 😎
You’re welcome, John, and thank you for this reply. I have also noticed the increase in incidents like this. I agree that it is sad and unfortunate.
Thanks again, John, and I hope you have a great day ahead as well!😊