Cheektowaga Man Charged With Assault on United Airlines Flight

A Cheektowaga man is being charged with one count of abusive sexual contact on an airplane, after a recent United Airlines flight.

The NY Post reports Ryan Manuella, 28, has been charged by the US Attorney’s Office in New Jersey.

The criminal complaint stated Manuella was a passenger on United Airlines Flight 1729, flying from Denver to Newark, when he moved to an empty seat on the plane next to a female passenger.

“While seated next to the victim, Manuella touched the victim on the groin and inner thigh with his hand, both directly and through the victim’s clothing, all without the victim’s permission,” the complaint reads.

“The victim told Manuella in a loud voice to get away from her, stood up quickly from her seat, sought the assistance of a flight attendant,” it said.

Get our free mobile app

A flight attendant then moved the woman to a new seat for the remainder of the flight.

After landing, Manuella was questioned by police and admitted touching the woman "with a desire for his sexual gratification," according to the complaint.

Manuella faces up to two years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted.