PHILADELPHIA —A 45-year-old West Chester man was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl on an American Airlines flight from San Diego to Philadelphia.
Edward Decker is accused of touching the breast and thigh of the girl for sexual gratification while on the aircraft on July 29, 2022, according to the indictment.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Pamela Carlos ordered Decker to be placed on house arrest Monday in lieu of $200,000 bail to await trial on charges of abusive sexual contact on an aircraft.
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The order requires Decker to remain in his West Chester home at all times except for work, education, religious services, medical treatment, and court appearances.
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The judge also prohibited Decker from having contact with minors, except for his own children.
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U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero said if convicted Decker faces a maximum possible sentence of five years in prison, one year of supervised release, a $500,000 fine, and a $200 special assessment fee.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Decker is represented by Evan Kelly and Christopher De Barrena, of West Chester.
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