A federal jury in Alexandria, Virginia, has convicted Varun Arora, an Indian national, of abusive sexual contact and assault during a commercial airline flight. The incident occurred on August 29, 2024, as the plane was approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport from Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport.
Court records and evidence presented at trial revealed that a passenger awoke to find Arora, 38, sexually groping her. Arora was wearing a sleep mask and pretended to be asleep while continuing to place his hand on the victim after she repeatedly removed it.
Arora is currently in the United States without legal status. He could face up to two years in prison when sentenced on May 7. The sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge after reviewing the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant factors.
The case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Madison Mumma and Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell L. Carlberg are handling the prosecution.
Additional information about this case can be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia or through public access to court electronic records (PACER) by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-288.
