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Two Charged in Aerial Assaults
Two men have been charged with separate incidents of sexual assault on aircraft headed to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, announced U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes.
The first incident occurred on a Norwegian Air flight from London to Seattle on January 10, 2018, when Babak Rezapour, 41, of Van Nuys, California, allegedly sexually assaulted another passenger while she slept. The victim, who had taken a prescribed anti-anxiety medication and drank a glass of wine, accepted a second glass of wine purchased for her by Rezapour. After drinking the second glass, the victim became unusually sleepy and awoke to find Rezapour sexually assaulting her. Rezapour used his jacket to shield the activity from other passengers.
The second incident involved Nicholas Matthew Stevens, 37, of Anchorage, Alaska, who allegedly assaulted a victim on an Alaska Airlines flight from Anchorage to Seattle. Stevens was originally in an aisle seat with a vacant seat between him and the victim. He moved into the middle seat and began harassing the victim with personal questions and attempting to hold her hand, and rest his head on her shoulder. At various times, while pretending to be asleep, he grabbed her thigh and her breast.
Rezapour will make his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles today, while Stevens will make his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Anchorage tomorrow. Both men will appear in U.S. District Court in Seattle at a later date.
“Reports of sexual assaults on aircraft are increasing, and we want the public to know these assaults are federal crimes and will be investigated and prosecuted consistent with the law,” said U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. “We urge the flying public to report assaults to airline personnel and law enforcement and assist victims who need help. The skies will be safer for all of us.”
According to records filed in the case, Abusive Sexual Contact on an Aircraft is punishable by up to two years in prison. The charges contained in the complaints are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The FBI and Port of Seattle Police investigated the incidents. The FBI is urging passengers to be vigilant and has released a list of suggestions to help prevent sexual assault on aircraft, including being aware of their surroundings and reporting any suspicious behavior to flight attendants or law enforcement.
Key Facts
- State: Washington
- Category: Violent Crime|Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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