Man Said He ‘Flirted With This Chick’ After Plane Groping. Jurors Said He is Guilty of Abusive Sexual Contact

Man Convicted of Groping Woman on Plane, Claims it was ‘Flirting’​

William R. McKelvy, a 65-year-old man, has been found guilty of abusive sexual contact after groping a woman on a flight from Tulsa to Dallas. The incident took place on April 25, 2023, during a Southwest flight where McKelvy allegedly touched the woman’s breast and thigh multiple times despite her protests.

The victim testified in court that McKelvy’s actions were unwelcome, and she made it clear by pushing him away and telling him to stop. Despite this, McKelvy continued his advances, leading the victim to raise her voice in a final attempt to stop him. Other passengers noticed the commotion, and flight attendants intervened by moving McKelvy to the back of the plane and alerting the authorities at the destination.

During the trial, McKelvy admitted to the police that he had been “flirting” with the woman, attributing his actions to mere socializing. However, the jury found him guilty of abusive sexual contact, a federal crime investigated by the FBI. The victim’s courage in speaking out and the swift action of fellow passengers and the flight crew led to McKelvy’s arrest and subsequent conviction.

In a statement, FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge, R. Joseph Rothrock, emphasized the severity of sexual assault on aircraft and commended the vigilance of the passengers in reporting the incident. The jury deliberated for a brief period before reaching a verdict, with McKelvy now facing a potential sentence of up to three years in federal prison.

McKelvy’s defence during the trial included claims of alcohol and marijuana consumption prior to boarding the flight, leading to a lack of recollection of the events. However, these arguments were not sufficient to dismiss the charges of abusive sexual contact brought against him. The sentencing for McKelvy is scheduled for September 8, marking the next phase in this case.

Cases of sexual harassment and assault, especially in confined spaces like airplanes, underline the importance of bystander intervention and the accountability of perpetrators. The victim’s bravery in speaking out against McKelvy serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and support for survivors of such acts.

The incident involving McKelvy on the flight has sparked discussions on airline safety and passenger conduct, reiterating the zero-tolerance policy for any form of harassment or violation of personal space. Authorities continue to emphasize the significance of reporting such incidents promptly to ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome of McKelvy’s sentencing will be closely monitored to determine the accountability and consequences for his actions. The case serves as a stark reminder of the prevalence of sexual misconduct and the collective responsibility to address and combat such behaviour in all contexts.