New York resident indicted for abusive sexual contact

Seattle – A 29-year-old New York man was arraigned today in U.S. District Court in Seattle for illegally touching a 14-year-old boy seated next to him on a flight from Fresno to Seattle, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.  Ram N. Gazab pleaded “not guilty” today to Abusive Sexual Contact.  Trial is scheduled in front of U.S. District Judge Tana Lin on March 11, 2024.

According to records filed in the case, on December 26, 2023, the victim was in a window seat near the back of the plane.  The middle seat in the row was empty.  Approximately 20 minutes before landing, Gazab seated himself in the empty seat next to the victim.  Gazab allegedly placed his hand on victim’s thigh. The victim moved his body away from Gazab and told him to stop. Gazab told the victim he had been sleeping.  After the plane landed, the victim tried to leave the row, and Gazab allegedly touched the victim’s buttocks.

The victim reported the conduct to the flight crew and law enforcement responded to the plane. Gazab was taken into custody and has remained detained ever since.

The grand jury returned the indictment on January 10, 2024. Abusive Sexual Contact is punishable by up to two years in prison.

The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations.  A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The case is being investigated by the FBI.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Celia A. Lee.