A New Jersey man has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a woman during a commercial flight from Los Angeles to Philadelphia. Vernon Baker, 41, of Linden, entered his plea before United States District Judge Anita B. Brody on one count of abusive sexual contact on an aircraft.
According to court documents, the incident took place on October 30, 2024. Baker made unwanted sexual advances toward the female passenger seated next to him. After she rejected him, he exposed himself and attempted to force her to touch him. He also grabbed her breast over her clothing and untied her pants. The victim then reported the assault to flight attendants after fleeing to the back of the plane.
Baker was indicted in January 2025 for this offense. He is scheduled for sentencing on March 3 and could face up to three years in prison, one year of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
United States Attorney David Metcalf stated that the case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Josh Davison and Special Assistant United States Attorney Meagan Gordon.
