A 31-year-old man was arrested after arriving at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport following allegations that he touched a female passenger without her consent during an overnight Delta Air Lines flight.
Federal authorities identified the passenger as Dominic Cortez Nichols of Kansas. He was travelling from Kona, Hawaii, to Seattle when the alleged incident occurred.
Nichols was detained while officials worked to establish a release plan involving a chaperone who could escort him home.
Passenger Allegedly Occupied Woman’s Seat
According to the criminal complaint, the 27-year-old woman discovered Nichols sitting in her assigned window seat when she boarded the aircraft in Kona.
Rather than leaving the row to let her enter, Nichols allegedly moved into the middle seat. The woman was consequently required to climb over him to reach her allocated seat beside the window.
The flight then continued overnight towards Seattle, with the two passengers seated next to each other for much of the journey.
Alleged Contact Reported During Overnight Flight
With less than two hours remaining before the aircraft reached its destination, the woman was reportedly attempting to sleep. Her hands were positioned between her thighs at the time.
Federal prosecutors allege that Nichols placed his hand between hers before touching her inner thigh and groin area. Authorities claim the alleged contact was committed for his sexual arousal.
The woman immediately activated the flight attendant call button and reported what had happened. Flight crew members responded and moved her to another seat for the remainder of the journey.
No additional details were provided about whether other passengers witnessed the alleged incident or whether further action was taken while the aircraft remained in the air.
Suspect Arrested After Landing
Law enforcement officers arrested Nichols after the Delta flight arrived at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on the morning of June 23, 2026.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd announced the arrest through the Western District of Washington U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Nichols remained detained until authorities could approve an appropriate release arrangement. That plan was expected to require a chaperone to accompany him when returning to Kansas.
The case is being investigated jointly by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Port of Seattle Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Amanda McDowell is responsible for prosecuting the federal case.
Charge Carries Possible Prison Sentence
Abusive sexual contact aboard an aircraft is a federal offence because incidents occurring on commercial flights can fall within the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States.
If convicted, Nichols could face up to two years in federal prison. The offence also carries a potential fine of as much as $250,000.
Federal prosecutors said their office has charged 13 defendants with abusive sexual contact aboard aircraft during recent years. Such cases often require cooperation between airline employees, airport police, federal investigators and prosecutors.
Flight crews are trained to respond when passengers report threatening, disruptive or inappropriate behaviour. Travellers who experience or witness suspected misconduct are encouraged to alert airline employees immediately.
Criminal Complaint Contains Allegations
The allegations described by prosecutors are contained in a criminal complaint and have not been proven at trial.
Nichols is presumed innocent unless the government proves the charge beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The maximum possible penalty does not indicate what sentence would be imposed if a conviction occurs, as sentencing depends on federal guidelines and other legal considerations.
The arrest followed the woman’s immediate report to the flight crew, which allowed employees to move her away from the accused passenger.
Federal investigators are now handling the case, while Nichols faces an allegation of abusive sexual contact aboard an aircraft. Further proceedings will determine whether prosecutors can prove the charge in court.