A Seattle man, Keith Witt, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for abusive sexual contact aboard an aircraft during an August 2023 flight from Billings, Montana, to Seattle.
The 58-year-old was convicted by a jury in February 2026 after molesting a 19-year-old victim. U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez, who presided over the sentencing, noted that Witt had testified falsely at trial, calling it “a deliberate attempt to get the jurors to look at the evidence in a different light.” Judge Martinez emphasized that “abusive sexual contact on an aircraft is a serious offense with serious consequences.”
According to trial testimony, Witt engaged the victim in uncomfortable personal conversation and repeatedly touched her inner thigh as she feigned sleep to avoid interaction. The victim reported the incident to flight crew after seeing Witt appeared sexually aroused, leading to his removal to the back of the plane and subsequent police involvement at SeaTac Airport.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd highlighted the Western District of Washington’s commitment to prosecuting such offenders, noting at least 15 cases in the last three years, with all six jury trials resulting in guilty verdicts. Prosecutors argued for a deterrent sentence, citing the unique vulnerability of passengers on an aircraft.
In addition to prison time, Judge Martinez ordered Witt to pay a $10,000 fine and over $4,000 in restitution to the victim. Witt will also face five years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender. Judge Martinez commended the victim’s courage, stating, “Unfortunately, this type of offense happens more often than reported.” W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office, urged victims and witnesses to report such federal crimes to flight crews, airport police, or the FBI.