PHILADELPHIA, PA — Edward Decker, 46, of West Chester, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to six months in prison for abusive sexual contact on an aircraft. The sentence was handed down on Friday by U.S. District Judge Nitza I. Quiñones Alejandro, and it also includes one year of supervised release and $4,000 in restitution to the victim.
The charges stem from a deeply troubling incident on July 29, 2022, during an American Airlines flight from San Diego to Philadelphia. Decker, who was a passenger on the flight, was found guilty of inappropriately touching a minor passenger as she slept. The victim awoke to find Decker’s hands and face under her clothing, a violation that resulted in his guilty plea earlier this year.
U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero condemned the actions of Decker, emphasizing the gravity of his offense. “Edward Decker’s actions on that plane are profoundly disturbing,” Romero stated, underscoring the lack of any justification for such conduct, particularly against a minor. She praised the courage of the victim throughout the legal process and reaffirmed the commitment of her office, alongside the FBI, to pursue justice for victims of such crimes.
FBI Special Agent Wayne A. Jacobs echoed Romero’s sentiments, highlighting the fundamental right of passengers to travel without the threat of sexual violence. He emphasized the collaborative efforts of the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in supporting victims and ensuring accountability for offenders. The investigation, led by the FBI, was pivotal in securing Decker’s conviction, with significant support from Philadelphia International Airport officials.
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