Overview
- A federal jury on Jan. 29 found Varun Arora, 38, guilty of abusive sexual contact and assault for groping a sleeping passenger on Aug. 29, 2024.
- The incident occurred during final approach on a flight from Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
- According to court records, the victim woke to Arora touching her, he wore a sleep mask, pretended to be asleep, and persisted despite her removing his hand.
- The FBI Washington Field Office used the photo the victim took and seating and manifest records to confirm identity, with an agent comparing the image to Arora’s driver’s license; the victim reported the incident to American Airlines the next day.
- Sentencing is set for May 7, with a potential term of up to two years, and the prosecution is being handled by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Madison Mumma and Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell L. Carlberg; authorities note Arora lacks lawful immigration status in the U.S.