West Chester Man Sentenced for Abusive Sexual Contact on an Aircraft

PHILADELPHIA – A West Chester man has been sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, one year of supervised release, and $4,000 in restitution for abusive sexual contact on an aircraft.

Edward Decker, 46, of West Chester, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nitza I. Quiñones Alejandro.

On July 29, 2022, while on board an American Airlines flight from San Diego, California, to Philadelphia, Decker intentionally touched the thigh and breast of a minor while she was sleeping. The victim woke up from her sleep on this overnight flight to find Decker, who was seated in her row, with his hands and face under her clothes and on her body.

Decker, who pleaded guilty to that offense in May of this year, will serve his sentence in federal prison. He will also be on supervised release for one year after his release from prison.

According to the U.S. Attorney, 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.

The case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Josh A. Davison.

Defendant: Edward Decker

Criminal Charges: Abusive Sexual Contact

City and State: West Chester, Pennsylvania

Exact Date: July 29, 2022

Sentence or Outcome: Six months’ imprisonment, one year of supervised release, and $4,000 in restitution

Dollar Amounts: $4,000 in restitution

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