A man from Allen, Texas, has pleaded guilty to abusive sexual contact after an incident on a flight from Chicago to Seattle. The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Cherian Abraham, 54, who works for a technology company, could face up to two years in prison when sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kymberly K. Evanson on September 15, 2025.
Court records indicate that Abraham was seated next to the 22-year-old victim during the flight and touched her inappropriately on three occasions. Initially believing the contact was accidental, the victim realized it was intentional after subsequent incidents and confronted Abraham before seeking assistance from a flight attendant.
The FBI's investigation revealed previous allegations against Abraham for similar conduct. On April 24, 2024, another passenger reported through an airline’s online portal that Abraham had repeatedly touched her and attempted further inappropriate contact. A separate incident occurred on October 9, 2023, where Minneapolis Airport Police interviewed Abraham following a complaint of unwanted touching by another passenger.
Abusive sexual contact carries a potential penalty of up to two years in prison. Prosecutors plan to recommend a sentence within the mid-range of guidelines as determined by the court; however, Judge Evanson retains discretion over the final sentence.
The case is under investigation by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ajay Ravindran and Jessica M. Ly.
