Man Indicted After In-Flight Sexual Assault

The crime of Sexual Assault or Abuse is usually a state crime, however, if it occurs within federal jurisdiction, such as aboard an in-flight aircraft, it is a federal offense.  61-year-old Ranchhodbhai Lakha is now in federal custody on charges he fondled a fellow plane passenger while she was sleeping.  Lakha was on a Delta flight from Texas to Georgia, when he allegedly assaulted the 20 year-old passenger beside him.

A federal grand jury has indicted Lakha for charges including one count of assault, two counts of abusive sexual contact and one count of attempt to engage in a sexual act with someone who is physically incapable of declining participation or communicating unwillingness to engage in a sexual act.  Lakha could be facing up to 20 years in federal prison.

If you, or someone you know has been charged with Assault, Abusive Sexual Contact or any other Sex Crime or Federal Crime, contact Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Robert M. Bernstein for a free consultation today.