Seattle – A man from Allen, Texas, has pleaded guilty to abusive sexual contact aboard a flight from Chicago to Seattle. The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Cherian Abraham, aged 54 and employed by a technology company, could face up to two years in prison when he is sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kymberly K. Evanson on September 15, 2025.
Court records indicate that Abraham was seated next to a 22-year-old woman during the flight in March 2025. She reported that he touched her breast under her arm on three occasions. Initially believing it might have been accidental, she realized otherwise after further incidents and confronted him verbally before alerting a flight attendant and moving seats.
An FBI investigation revealed previous allegations against Abraham for similar conduct. On April 24, 2024, another victim reported through an airline’s online service that Abraham had touched her repeatedly and attempted to place his hand between her thighs. Despite yelling at him, she couldn’t get the attention of a flight attendant at the time. On October 9, 2023, Minneapolis Airport Police questioned Abraham following another report where he allegedly touched a woman’s leg multiple times; this victim also changed seats after contacting the crew.
Abusive sexual contact carries a potential penalty of up to two years imprisonment. Prosecutors intend to recommend a sentence within the middle range of guidelines determined by the court; however, Judge Evanson retains discretion over the final sentencing decision.
The FBI is conducting the investigation into this case with prosecution led by Assistant United States Attorneys Ajay Ravindran and Jessica M. Ly.
