New York Man Admits Assault on Airplane

NEWARK, N.J. – A New York man today admitted assaulting a female passenger on a flight to Newark Liberty International Airport, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Ryan Manuella, 30, of Cheektowaga, New York, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court to assault with intent to commit another felony, namely, stalking, while on an airplane. Manuella was ordered detained without bond.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

On a flight from Denver, Colorado, to Newark, on April 16, 2021, Manuella moved to a vacant seat next to a female passenger and touched the passenger without her consent. Manuella admitted the victim then yelled at him and left the row of seats. He admitted that touching the victim caused her substantial emotional distress.

The charge carries a maximum term of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 1, 2023.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, and officers of the Port Authority Police Department with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys DeNae M. Thomas and Katherine M. Romano of the Health Care Fraud Unit in Newark.