A 48-year-old French national, identified as Guillaume Sebastien Roger Mattler, has been charged with abusive sexual contact following a disturbing incident on a Swiss International Air Lines flight. The event occurred while the aircraft was en route to Miami, Florida, earlier this week.
According to federal court records, the suspect was seated next to a 29-year-old woman in the first-class cabin. Witnesses reported that the woman had fallen asleep during the international journey when the alleged abuse began.
Two other passengers observed the man touching the sleeping woman in an inappropriate manner. One witness reportedly used a mobile device to document the behavior while alerting flight attendants to the situation.
An FBI special agent noted in the criminal complaint that the suspect was seen moving his hand under the victim's clothing. When flight crew members intervened, they reportedly witnessed the man continuing the physical contact over the victim's jeans.
Upon being confronted by the flight crew, the suspect was relocated to the coach cabin. When the victim was awakened and informed of the allegations, she was visibly distressed and shaken by the revelation.
Before leaving his seat, the suspect allegedly attempted to hand the victim a note written on his business card. The message, which read that she looked beautiful while sleeping, was later recovered by investigators as evidence.
During subsequent questioning by federal authorities, the suspect initially denied that any misconduct had occurred. However, after being presented with video evidence captured by fellow passengers, he admitted to touching the woman without her consent.
The suspect claimed he had intended to exchange contact information with the woman. He also admitted to taking photographs of the victim during the flight but stated that he had deleted them prior to being detained.
Mattler appeared in a Miami federal court to face the charges brought against him. Prosecutors have argued that he should remain in custody, citing concerns that he poses a significant flight risk and a danger to the public.
The incident has sparked renewed discussions regarding passenger safety and the protocols for handling criminal behavior in the air. The suspect is scheduled to return to court for further proceedings early next week.