Pennsylvania man sentenced for sexually abusing child on a plane

(WHTM) - A Pennsylvania man has been sentenced to six months in prison for sexually abusing a child on a plane.

According to the Department of Justice, Edward Decker, of West Chester, pleaded guilty earlier this year to inappropriately touching a minor on a flight from San Diego to Philadelphia.

The Justice Department says Decker was seated in the same row as the minor and placed his hands and face under the child's clothes while they were sleeping on the 2022 American Airlines flight.

“Edward Decker’s actions on that plane are profoundly disturbing,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “There’s no excuse for touching anyone in a sexual manner without their consent — let alone a sleeping underage stranger. The victim in this case has shown remarkable courage throughout this entire process. My office and the FBI will continue to seek justice for victims of crimes within our jurisdiction, whether committed on the street or on a flight thousands of feet above.”

“Every person has an expectation of and, indeed, the right to fly on a U.S. aircraft without being abusively sexually contacted,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “Our office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to ensure both that victims of such crimes are supported and that those who commit such crimes are held accountable. We also thank our partners at the Philadelphia International Airport for their assistance in this case.”

Decker will also serve one year of supervised release and pay $4,000 in restitution for abusive sexual contact on an aircraft.