Vernon Baker sentenced 25 months for in-flight sexual assault

TSA Press Releases

Filed March 23rd, 2026

Detected March 31st, 2026

Summary

Vernon Baker, 41, of Linden, New Jersey, was sentenced to 25 months' imprisonment and one year supervised release by U.S. District Judge Anita B. Brody for sexually assaulting a female passenger seated next to him on a flight from Los Angeles to Philadelphia on October 30, 2024. The case was investigated by the FBI, Federal Air Marshal Service, and Philadelphia Police Department and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

View original document View source feed page

What changed

Vernon Baker was sentenced to 25 months in federal prison followed by one year of supervised release after pleading guilty to one count of abusive sexual contact on an aircraft. The assault occurred on October 30, 2024, aboard a commercial flight from Los Angeles to Philadelphia, when Baker made sexual advances toward the woman seated next to him. The victim reported the assault to flight attendants at the back of the cabin.

This sentencing reinforces federal enforcement of passenger safety on aircraft and demonstrates ongoing coordination between the FBI, Federal Air Marshal Service, and local law enforcement in prosecuting in-flight crimes. Airlines and flight crew should remain vigilant in responding to passenger misconduct incidents. This is a completed criminal prosecution with no pending regulatory changes requiring compliance actions.

Penalties

25 months imprisonment and one year supervised release

Source document (simplified)

Home
Media
Media Room
Press Releases
New Jersey man sentenced to prison for sexually assaulting woman seated next to him on Philadelphia-bound flight

New Jersey man sentenced to prison for sexually assaulting woman seated next to him on Philadelphia-bound flight

Local Press Release Monday, March 23, 2026 PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Vernon Baker, 41, of Linden, New Jersey, was sentenced today to 25 months’ imprisonment and one year of supervised release by United States District Judge Anita B. Brody for sexually assaulting the woman seated next to him on a flight into Philadelphia.

The defendant was charged by indictment in January of last year with one count of abusive sexual contact on an aircraft and pleaded guilty in December.

As detailed in court filings, on October 30, 2024, aboard a commercial flight from Los Angeles to Philadelphia, Baker made sexual advances toward the female passenger sitting next to him.

Traumatized and shaken, the victim rushed to the back of the cabin where she reported this assault to flight attendants.

This case was investigated by the FBI, the Federal Air Marshal Service, and the Philadelphia Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Josh Davison and Special Assistant United States Attorney Meagan Gordon.

Contact:

USAPAE.PressBox@usdoj.gov
215-861-8300