California Woman Sues American Airlines Over Alleged In-Flight Assault by Serial Offender

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A California woman has filed a federal lawsuit against **American Airlines**, alleging she was sexually assaulted during a flight by a fellow passenger with a documented history of in-flight misconduct. **Barbara Morgan** claims the incident occurred on April 24, 2024, while she was seated in a middle seat on an overnight flight from **San Francisco to Dallas**.

Morgan alleges that her seatmate, **Cherian Abraham**, 54, of Texas, attempted to touch her multiple times during the flight and tried to place his hand between her legs, despite her repeated pleas for him to stop, according to a report by **FOX 32 Chicago**. She accused the flight crew of failing to intervene and claimed that airline officials later blamed her for not reporting the incident during the flight.

**Background of the Accused Passenger**
Nearly a year after the alleged assault, Abraham was federally charged with sexually assaulting another passenger on a flight in March 2024, according to the **U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington**. The charges stem from an incident on a flight from **Chicago to Seattle**, where Abraham allegedly groped a 22-year-old woman seated next to him.

The victim reported that Abraham touched her breast on three separate occasions, including twice under her arm. After confronting him and alerting the flight crew, she was relocated to another seat. When questioned by authorities, Abraham denied engaging in inappropriate behavior.

**Pattern of Misconduct**
Abraham’s history of in-flight misconduct dates back to at least 2023, including Morgan’s case. **Sarah M. Raisch**, Morgan’s attorney, stated that **American Airlines** had been aware of a rise in sexual assault incidents on overnight flights for years.

**Raisch criticized the airline**, saying, “They allowed **Cherian Abraham** to become a serial predator under their watch. When our courageous client reported her harrowing experience, they dismissed her and blamed her for their failure to ensure her safety.”

**Morgan’s Statement**
In an emotional statement, **Morgan** explained her decision to speak out: “It’s impossible to describe how traumatic it is to have a stranger violate you in such a confined space with nowhere to escape. I felt exposed and invisible. I expected **American Airlines** to take action, but instead, I was met with indifference and blame.”

**American Airlines’ Response**
In a statement to **Fox News Digital**, **American Airlines** said they are cooperating with the ongoing investigation. “The safety of our customers and team members is our highest priority,” a spokesperson stated. “We take this matter very seriously and are working closely with law enforcement.”

A source familiar with the case confirmed that **Abraham** has been banned from flying with **American Airlines**. Abraham was released on bond, and abusive sexual contact is punishable by up to two years in prison.

**Sources**:
[FOX 32 Chicago](https://www.fox32chicago.com)
[U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington](https://www.justice.gov)
[Fox News Digital](https://www.foxnews.com)