William Charles Pelletier, 35, of Andover, Maine, is facing federal charges after being indicted for the sexual assault of a woman on a Delta flight from Charlottesville, Virginia, to Atlanta, Georgia. The incident, which unfolded mid-air on November 10, 2017, has sparked outrage and renewed scrutiny over in-flight safety and passenger conduct.
Federal prosecutors allege that Pelletier became verbally abusive and disruptive during the flight. As the plane began its descent into Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, he hurled a pretzel bag at the woman seated directly in front of him. When she ignored the provocation, he reached around her seat and placed his cupped hand on her breast, according to the indictment and witness testimony.
A passenger seated beside Pelletier immediately noticed the assault and alerted a flight attendant, demanding police be called upon landing. Law enforcement was waiting at the gate, and Pelletier was taken into custody moments after the plane arrived. No physical resistance was reported, but the emotional toll on the victim was described as severe.
“This defendant allegedly believed he could sexually assault a fellow passenger on a flight to Atlanta,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. ‘BJay’ Pak. “This conduct is unacceptable, and anyone who chooses to act in this manner will be prosecuted. Citizens deserve to feel protected from sexual assault and should not have to fear this happening to them while traveling.”
David J. LeValley, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Atlanta Field Office, reinforced the message: “Behavior like what this defendant is accused of will not be tolerated by the FBI or any other law enforcement agency. No citizen should have to confront this type of behavior any time or anywhere. And no person should ever think they can get away with such alleged actions.”
Pelletier remains in custody pending arraignment, which has not yet been scheduled. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and the burden of proof rests with the government to establish his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The case is being jointly investigated by the FBI and the Atlanta Police Department, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Phyllis Clerk leading the prosecution.
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Key Facts
- State: Georgia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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