An American citizen living in the United Arab Emirates has pleaded guilty to abusive sexual contact on a flight, according to federal authorities.
Court documents state that Darrell Ray Seale, 56, was a passenger on a June 6 flight from Boston Logan International Airport to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. During the flight, Seale touched himself and another passenger in a sexual manner without consent. After the victim signaled for him to stop, Seale removed his hand but later resumed touching the victim. The incident was witnessed by another passenger. The victim then informed a flight attendant and was moved to another seat for the rest of the journey.
Seale is set for sentencing on November 5 and could face up to two years in prison. However, sentences for federal crimes are often less than the maximum allowed by law. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge after considering U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
"Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Joshua P. Stone, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office's Counterterrorism Division, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Trenga accepted the plea."
"Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Clement and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Morgan are prosecuting the case."
Further information about this case can be found at the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Court documents are also available through PACER under Case No. 1:25-cr-193 or at the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
