A Mercer Island, Washington resident has been sentenced to ten years of supervised release, including two years of home incarceration, for the attempted sexual abuse of a minor and abusive sexual contact on an aircraft. The U.S. District Court in Seattle delivered the sentence to 72-year-old Munir Walji, who was convicted after a four-day jury trial in September 2024.

U.S. District Judge Tana Lin stated that Walji's actions warranted incarceration but expressed concern about his poor health. "But for your medical conditions I would impose a prison sentence," said Judge Lin. "But I am deeply concerned that a prison sentence would be a death sentence."

The incident occurred on November 10, 2021, during a Delta Airlines flight from Atlanta to Seattle. Walji was seated next to the 15-year-old victim and her mother. As the flight neared its destination, Walji allegedly unbuckled the teen's seatbelt and reached inside her pants while she slept. The victim's mother alerted flight attendants, leading to Walji's arrest upon arrival in Seattle.

U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman condemned Walji's conduct: "This defendant unbuckled the seat belt of the teen sleeping next to him in the confines of an aircraft, and reached inside her pants, attempting to reach her genitals." She emphasized the trauma inflicted on the victim and pledged continued prosecution of such cases.

Prosecutors sought a 30-month sentence as recommended by federal pretrial officers, highlighting Walji’s choice to exploit a vulnerable situation despite his history of family support and career success.

Walji’s defense cited his severe health issues as justification for avoiding prison time. His attorneys noted he suffers from blood cancer and reduced lung function requiring daily medication.

Prosecutor Laura Harmon argued it was uncertain if Bureau of Prisons (BOP) facilities could accommodate his medical needs but acknowledged BOP's capacity for high-level medical care.

Ultimately, Judge Lin opted against imprisonment due to concerns over meeting Walji’s health requirements in custody. In addition to home confinement, she imposed a $5,000 fine and mandated sex offender registration.

Assistant United States Attorney Brian Wynne and Special Assistant United States Attorney Laura Harmon prosecuted the case. Harmon is designated for prosecuting child exploitation and sex crimes federally as a Senior King County Deputy Prosecutor.