SEATTLE – In a grim milestone in aviation safety, Duane Brick, 53, a former commercial airline mechanic, was sentenced today to six months behind bars and five years of supervised release for his shocking sexual assault aboard a flight from Phoenix to Seattle.
The prosecution revealed that the incident occurred on March 20, 2023, when Brick was seated next to a 24-year-old woman who had taken an anti-anxiety medication. After falling asleep, the victim awoke to find Brick’s hand pressing against her chest and groin area. The predator continued his assault by repeatedly touching the victim despite her protests.
Today, U.S. District Judge James H. Chun stated, ‘This was a serious and frightening crime. It is clear that Mr. Brick intended to abuse this woman while she was asleep and defenseless.’
Records indicate that after being confronted by an aisle seat passenger who alerted the flight crew, the victim requested law enforcement be called upon landing. However, the flight attendants, due to their employment connection with the airline, failed to do so. Brick was subsequently allowed to disembark without incident.
In court today, Assistant United States Attorney Grace Zoller described the assault as ‘intentional, methodical, and prolonged,’ and highlighted that Brick blamed the victim when he was caught. The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by AUSA’s Grace Zoller and Amanda McDowell.
Brick was indicted on April 12, 2023, and his employment with the airline was terminated shortly thereafter. The case is U.S. v. Duane Brick (23-cr-00052). This sentencing sends a powerful message that sexual assault on an aircraft will not be tolerated and will result in severe consequences.
RELATED: Airline Mechanic Duane Brick Sentenced for Plane Sexual Assault
Related Federal Cases
- Parks Gets 8 Years for Assault Rifle Stash · Washington
- Lummi Man Gets 5 Years for Assault Rifle Threat · Washington
- Ramaswamy Snubs VP Slot, Wants to Build, Not Wait · Washington
- Ramaswamy: No VP Slot For Me · Washington
- Profits Down, Prices Cooling? The Greed Factor · Washington
Key Facts
- State: Washington
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Sex Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News