A man from North Bergen, New Jersey is accused of sexually abusing a sleeping woman aboard a flight from Phoenix to Newark Liberty International Airport.
Bawer Aksal, 48, was due in Newark Federal Court Wednesday.
He was arrested by FBI agents early Tuesday after the woman said she awoke to Aksal's hands insider her shirt and shorts, said the U.S. Attorney's Office in Newark.
The alleged victim was seated in a window seat next to Aksal during the United Airlines flight.
Aksal allegedly asked the woman for a kiss when she awoke.
A passenger in the aisle seat noticed the incident and offered to help the woman, who reported it to flight personnel, reported the Associated Press.
Aksal could face a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $250K fine, according to federal officials who have jurisdiction over all sexual abuse cases in American airplanes.
Saturday, May 18 2013 7:49 AM EDT2013-05-18 11:49:20 GMT
An airline official says a US Airways flight with 34 people aboard was forced to make a belly landing at Newark International Airport after experiencing landing gear trouble. No injuries were reported.
An airline official says a US Airways flight with 34 people aboard was forced to make a belly landing at Newark International Airport after experiencing landing gear trouble. No injuries were reported.
Friday, May 17 2013 8:53 PM EDT2013-05-18 00:53:52 GMT
The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority has approved the master plan for the American Dream megamall in the Meadowlands sports complex. The approval at Friday's special board meeting means the
The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority has approved the master plan for the American Dream megamall in the Meadowlands sports complex. The approval at Friday's special board meeting means the
Friday, May 17 2013 2:13 PM EDT2013-05-17 18:13:33 GMT
An Internet celebrity known on Facebook and YouTube as "Kai the Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker" was arrested in connection with the killing of an elderly Clark, N.J., man.
An Internet celebrity known on Facebook and YouTube as "Kai the Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker" was arrested in connection with the killing of an elderly Clark, N.J., man.
Friday, May 17 2013 1:09 PM EDT2013-05-17 17:09:46 GMT
Powerball's estimated jackpot has soared to a record $600 million dollars for Saturday's drawing because of brisk sales across the states involved in the lottery.
Powerball's estimated jackpot has soared to a record $600 million for Saturday's drawing because of brisk sales across the states involved in the lottery. The lump-sum cash value of the jackpot is an estimated $376.9 million.
Friday, May 17 2013 12:39 PM EDT2013-05-17 16:39:46 GMT
A couple was found shot dead inside a park in Montclair, N.J.
A couple was found shot dead inside a park in Montclair, N.J. Police say they were responding to calls about shots fired when they discovered the bodies of Shanae Q. Howard, 24, of Orange and Brandon Brown, 26, of Montclair. The couple were found near a bench in Canterbury Park at around 10 p.m. on Thursday. A weapon was recovered at the scene.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:05 AM EDT2013-05-17 11:05:50 GMT
Thirty-seven claims have been filed in federal court in Newark over the crash of a commuter ferry in New York City that left dozens of passengers injured.
Thirty-seven claims have been filed in federal court in Newark over the crash of a commuter ferry in New York City that left dozens of passengers injured.
Thursday, May 16 2013 6:06 PM EDT2013-05-16 22:06:34 GMT
A smuggling ring that made a fortune selling more than a million cartons of untaxed cigarettes in New York may have funneled some of the illicit proceeds to terrorist groups, authorities said.
A smuggling ring that made a fortune selling more than a million cartons of untaxed cigarettes in New York may have funneled some of the illicit proceeds to terrorist groups, authorities said.
Thursday, May 16 2013 4:28 PM EDT2013-05-16 20:28:43 GMT
Gov. Chris Christie has announced plans to use $300 million in federal funding to buy out homeowners whose properties have flooded repeatedly, especially during Superstorm Sandy.
Gov. Chris Christie has announced plans to use $300 million in federal funding to buy out homeowners whose properties have flooded repeatedly, especially during Superstorm Sandy.
