Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia
A federal jury has found Everett Chad Nelson, a 44-year-old resident of Stafford, guilty of assaulting a fellow passenger on a United Airlines flight. The incident occurred on October 28, 2024, during a flight from San Francisco to Dulles International Airport in Virginia.
Court records and trial evidence revealed that Nelson approached a sleeping deaf passenger seated over twenty rows ahead of him and began attacking the individual without any provocation. Witnesses reported that Nelson delivered multiple punches to the victim's face using both hands, causing significant injuries including a broken nose. The victim has since required extensive medical treatment.
The altercation was interrupted by another passenger who restrained Nelson until the flight crew could secure him for the remainder of the journey. Upon landing at Dulles, Nelson was taken into custody by FBI agents.
Nelson now faces a potential prison sentence of up to ten years. However, actual sentences for federal offenses are often less than the maximum possible penalties. A federal district court judge will determine his sentence after reviewing U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant factors.
The announcement of the conviction was made by Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, along with Sanjay Virmani, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Counterterrorism Division. The verdict was accepted by U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel K. Amzallag and Heather D. Call.
Further details about this case can be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia or through PACER under Case No. 1:24-cr-251.
