A man allegedly masturbated in front of his male seatmate and asked the victim to “jerk him off” during a flight between Sacramento, California and Denver on Monday, October 25, according to an FBI affidavit filed in federal court.
The suspect has been identified as Robert Glasper III of Oakland, California who has been charged with three offenses including sexual contact without permission and lewd, indecent, obscene acts within special aircraft jurisdiction, as well as assault.
The FBI has not identified the flight that the assault took place on but officers were called. to meet a commercial aircraft that landed at around 8:45 pm.
According to the victim, Glasper boarded the flight in Sacramento looking like he was “under the influence” and as if he was lost. Glasper sat in a window seat with the victim next to him in the middle seat.
Shortly before departure, the victim went to put on his seatbelt but noticed that Glasper was sitting on it. He asked to retrieve the seat belt and as he sat up in his seat, Glasper allegedly grasped and squeezed the victim’s left buttock.
During takeoff, Glasper repeatedly grabbed the victim’s leg and tried to hold the victim’s hand according to the affidavit.
Glasper also allegedly repeatedly asked the victim to “jerk him off”.
When Glasper got up to use the lavatory, the victim tried to alert his female seatmate sat in the aisle seat by writing a text message that described Glasper “handsy” and a “creep”. The woman agreed with the victim but didn’t do anything else.
On his return, Glasper apparently had an erection and allegedly exposed his penis to the victim and started to masturbate. The victim looked away but then noticed Glasper wiping his hand between the seats.
Only at this point, did other passengers alert flight attendants so that the victim could be moved to a different seat.
One witness said the victim “appeared paralyzed and deeply uncomfortable” by what had happened.
In interview, Glasper said the other person had been grabbing his leg and holding his hand. Glasper says the other person was smiling and laughing.
