Man Arrested After Alleged Assault on Hawaii Flight to Seattle

SEATTLE — Federal authorities arrested a Kansas man Tuesday morning at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport after prosecutors accused him of sexually assaulting a woman during an overnight Delta Air Lines flight from Hawaii.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington charged Dominic Cortez Nichols, 31, with abusive sexual contact aboard an aircraft.

According to court documents, a 27-year-old woman found Nichols sitting in her assigned window seat while passengers boarded the flight in Kona. Instead of letting her take the seat, Nichols moved to the middle seat and forced her to climb over him.

Prosecutors allege Nichols assaulted the woman with less than two hours remaining in the flight. The woman had placed her hands between her thighs while trying to sleep when Nichols allegedly reached between them and touched her inner thigh and groin area.

The woman immediately pressed the flight attendant call button and reported the incident. Flight attendants relocated her to another seat for the remainder of the flight.

Federal agents arrested Nichols after the aircraft landed at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. A judge ordered him held until officials can arrange a release plan that includes a chaperone to escort him back to Kansas.

Federal Prosecutors Cite Similar Cases

Federal law allows a court to impose up to two years in prison and a $250,000 fine for abusive sexual contact aboard an aircraft.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office said prosecutors have filed charges against 13 defendants for abusive sexual contact on aircraft in recent years.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Port of Seattle Police Department are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda McDowell is handling the prosecution.

The criminal complaint contains allegations only. The court presumes Nichols innocent unless prosecutors prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.

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