Federal Way, Washington man indicted for abusive sexual contact on a flight from San Diego to Seattle

Seattle – A 25-year-old Federal Way, Washington resident will appear today on an indictment returned last year for Abusive Sexual Contact, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Desmond D. Bostick was located by law enforcement and arrested on February 9, 2024. The indictment was returned under seal September 27, 2023.

According to records in the case, Bostick was seated in the last row of the plane on an Alaska Airlines flight from San Diego to Seattle. Bostick was in the aisle seat and the victim, who was a stranger to Bostick, was seated in the middle seat.  Bostick allegedly repeatedly touched the victim on the thigh and grabbed her buttocks when she stood to allow the passenger in the window seat to exit the row. Bostick allegedly used a blanket he brought on the plane to hide his conduct.

After the plane touched down, the victim reported the conduct to the flight crew and law enforcement began its investigation. Bostick had left the airport and his location was unknown. The FBI located and arrested him.

In June 2023, the U.S. Attorney’s Office reported an alarming increase of sexual misconduct on aircraft. Since highlighting the issue, three additional cases have been filed or adjudicated.

This case is being investigated by the FBI with the assistance of the Port of Seattle Police.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sean H. Waite.