An American citizen living in the United Arab Emirates has pleaded guilty to abusive sexual contact aboard a domestic flight, according to federal authorities.
Court documents show that on June 6, Darrell Ray Seale, 56, was traveling from Boston Logan International Airport to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport when he engaged in unwanted sexual contact with another passenger. The incident occurred shortly after takeoff and involved Seale touching himself and the victim without consent. When the victim indicated for him to stop, Seale complied briefly but then resumed his actions later during the flight.
A third passenger witnessed the conduct. After being notified by the victim, a flight attendant moved the victim to another seat for the rest of the journey.
Seale is set for sentencing on November 5 and could face up to two years in prison. Sentences in federal cases are often less than the maximum allowed by law; final sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge who will consider guidelines and other legal factors.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Joshua P. Stone, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Counterterrorism Division, announced the plea following its acceptance by Senior U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Trenga.
“Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Clement and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Morgan are prosecuting the case.”
Additional information about this case can be found through resources provided by both the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and public records at PACER under Case No. 1:25-cr-193.
