Texas Man Accused of In-Flight Sexual Assault on American Airlines Flight

American Airlines

A Texas man has been charged with abusive sexual contact after allegedly masturbating and groping a fellow passenger during a domestic American Airlines flight from Boston to Washington, D.C., later telling investigators he was simply "stretching his arms."

Darrell Ray Seale, 56, an aerospace executive, was arrested on June 8 and released on a personal recognizance bond two days later. He now faces up to two years in prison if convicted.

According to a federal affidavit filed in Alexandria, Virginia, Seale boarded American Airlines Flight 4349 at Boston Logan International Airport on June 6. During the 110-minute flight to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Seale, seated by the window, allegedly began masturbating through his shorts. He then lowered his tray table and reached over to touch the man sitting next to him, placing his hand on the victim's crotch and rubbing his leg.

Despite the victim raising his hand to signal “stop,” Seale continued, even inserting his fingers through a hole in the man’s pants, the affidavit states.

A passenger seated across the aisle witnessed the incident, reportedly observing Seale touching the victim’s left thigh and fondling his penis. The witness saw the victim raise his right hand in a universal “stop” gesture. When Seale momentarily pulled back, he allegedly resumed the assault shortly thereafter.

The witness discreetly typed “Are you OK?” on their phone and showed it to the victim, who responded by shaking his head “no.” When Seale went to use the restroom, the victim alerted a flight attendant and was moved to another seat.

Upon landing, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority police escorted Seale from the aircraft. The FBI, which has jurisdiction over crimes committed on aircraft, conducted an interview with him. Seale acknowledged sitting next to the victim and admitted that there might have been contact while he was “stretching his arms.” However, he denied any sexual intent or exposure of his genitals.

Authorities arrested Seale two days later at Reagan National Airport as he prepared to board another flight. During a second interview, he again denied sexual contact but admitted he saw the victim make a “stop” gesture, which he claimed was in response to the stretching.

The incident comes amid rising concerns over in-flight sexual misconduct. Last year, the FBI investigated 104 cases of sexual assault on aircraft, though officials believe many more go unreported. American Airlines has faced multiple high-profile complaints in recent months, including lawsuits over alleged inaction by flight crews during similar incidents.

Seale is currently residing in Trophy Club, Texas, under the supervision of his brother-in-law. He is barred from leaving the Eastern District of Texas without court approval and prohibited from boarding commercial flights or possessing firearms.