West Chester man abuses child on flight: government

The young girl woke up from her sleep in the air and found the man’s “hands and face” under her clothes, authorities said.

May 29, 2024, 11:26 a.m. EDT

WEST CHESTER, PA — A West Chester man has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a minor during a domestic flight, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced.

Edward Decker, 46, was charged with sexual abuse on an airplane.

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The incident occurred on July 29, 2022 on an American Airlines flight from San Diego to Philadelphia.

Decker touched the victim, a girl under 18, on her inner thighs and breasts, authorities said. When the girl awoke from her sleep, Decker’s “hands and face” were under her clothing and on her body, according to federal officials.

US Attorney Jacqueline Romero called the case a “true nightmare for every parent.”

“Not only should people feel safe putting their children on a plane to get from point A to point B, but everyone should also have the freedom to close their eyes mid-flight without fearing the intentions of a seatmate,” Romero said in a statement. “We and the FBI will continue to crack down on these crimes on board aircraft to support victims and bring them justice.”

Decker’s sentencing is scheduled for September 23. He faces a maximum of three years in prison.

The FBI investigated the case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh A. Davison.