A New Jersey man has pleaded guilty to abusive sexual contact on a commercial flight, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney David Metcalf for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
Vernon Baker, 41, of Linden, New Jersey, admitted guilt before United States District Judge Anita B. Brody to one count of abusive sexual contact on an aircraft. The indictment was issued in January.
According to court filings, the incident occurred on October 30, 2024, during a flight from Los Angeles to Philadelphia. Prosecutors stated that Baker made unwanted sexual advances toward a woman seated next to him. When the victim rejected his advances, Baker exposed himself and tried to force her to touch him. He then grabbed her breast over her clothing and untied her pants. The victim left her seat and reported the assault to flight attendants at the back of the cabin.
Baker is scheduled for sentencing on March 3. He faces up to three years in prison, one year of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Josh Davison and Special Assistant United States Attorney Meagan Gordon are prosecuting.
“This 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.”