A Los Angeles County man, Justin Baker, has been sentenced to two years in prison for abusive sexual contact on a flight from Burbank, California, to Seattle. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour in Seattle's U.S. District Court. Baker, 42, was arrested upon arrival at SEA on March 14, 2024, and has remained in custody since his conviction on October 23, 2024.
Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller announced the sentencing and described the incident as "a calculated and predatory sexual assault on an 18-year-old girl." Miller emphasized the victim's bravery in testifying and reiterated the commitment of the Western District of Washington to hold offenders accountable.
Court records reveal that Baker occupied a middle seat next to the victim during the flight. He showed her sexually explicit messages on his phone before covering both their laps with his jacket. Despite her attempts to move away and verbal objections, Baker continued to grope her over her clothing and reached into her top.
The victim eventually managed to leave her seat and report the assault to the flight crew after Baker attempted to restrain her when she tried to pass him.
Assistant United States Attorney Grace Zoller remarked in court that Baker "treated the victim like an object" and "dehumanized her." The victim expressed how the incident has profoundly affected her life, causing anxiety around airports and flying.
Judge Coughenour justified the maximum sentence due to "the seriousness of the crime, the harm to the victim and the danger (Baker) poses to the community." Upon release from prison, Baker will undergo five years of federal supervision and must register as a sex offender.
The FBI and Port of Seattle Police conducted investigations leading up to this case's prosecution by Assistant United States Attorneys Kristine Foerster and Grace Zoller.