A 65-year-old Indiana man and registered sex offender has been charged with abusive sexual contact on a Spirit Airlines flight after allegedly groping a sleeping 17-year-old girl. John Daniel Fowler was arrested on July 29 following an incident on flight NK 1523 from Indianapolis to Orlando.
According to an FBI affidavit, Fowler had a dispute at the gate over a $100 luggage fee, reportedly saying he hoped the plane would crash before apologising and boarding. During the flight, the teen repeatedly moved Fowler's hand away from her seat. After landing, she woke to find his hand under her blanket, rubbing her crotch.
The victim screamed, alerting a flight attendant who moved her to the front of the plane. Fowler was questioned by police and claimed he was only reaching for her thermos that had fallen over. He denied touching her private parts, stating he was not on medication or alcohol.
Fowler was convicted in November 2023 for sexually assaulting a sleeping victim in her home, receiving a two-year suspended sentence and probation. He is required to register as a sex offender until 2033. A Spirit Airlines spokesperson said Fowler is now banned from all future flights, stating the carrier has zero tolerance for such behaviour.
Fowler faces up to three years in federal prison for the charge, with a possible 10-year enhancement for committing a crime while a registered sex offender. He does not yet have an attorney listed on the court docket.
