Registered sex offender accused of touching woman on flight

NEWARK, N.J. – Federal prosecutors say a registered sex offender improperly touched a sleeping woman aboard a flight in May from Israel to New Jersey.

Yoel Oberlander, of Monsey, New York, has been charged with abusive sexual contact. A judge ordered the 35-year-old man detained after he was arraigned Friday. It wasn’t known Saturday if he has a lawyer who could comment on his behalf.

Prosecutors say Oberlander was sitting next to a woman during a May 29 El Al flight from Tel Aviv to Newark Liberty airport. They say he repeatedly placed his hand on the woman’s thigh and breast.

Authorities say Oberlander was convicted in 2002 in New York of sexual abuse involving an 11-year-old girl.

If convicted of the latest charge, he faces up to two years in prison.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles