A man from Deering, Alaska, has been indicted for abusive sexual contact on a flight from Anchorage to Seattle. Trayton C. Ballot, 27, was arrested upon arrival at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on January 15, 2025. U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman announced that Ballot pleaded not guilty and his trial is set for April 7, 2025, before U.S. District Judge John H. Chun.
Court records indicate that the alleged incident involved a 17-year-old victim traveling with her mother and a friend. Ballot was seated in the middle seat near the back of the plane while the victim occupied the window seat. Despite appearing asleep, Ballot allegedly placed his hand on the victim's inner thigh multiple times until she managed to block further attempts by wedging a pillow under her tray table.
The victim communicated with her mother about the incident via phone message and subsequently informed flight attendants who relocated her to another seat.
Ballot was detained at SeaTac's Federal Detention Center but released the following day under several conditions, including notifying airlines of his charges before travel.
Ballot waived his presence at arraignment where his attorney entered a plea of "Not Guilty." Abusive sexual contact carries a potential penalty of up to two years in prison.
The charges remain allegations unless proven beyond reasonable doubt in court. The FBI is investigating this case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn Forstein.