By USA Daily Now 
A California woman has filed a federal lawsuit against **American Airlines**, alleging she was sexually assaulted by a fellow passenger with a known history of in-flight misconduct. BARBARA MORGAN claims the incident occurred on April 24, 2024, during an overnight flight from San Francisco to Dallas, where she was seated in a middle seat.
According to a report from affiliate FOX 32 Chicago, CHERIAN ABRAHAM, 54, of Texas, repeatedly attempted to touch Morgan inappropriately during the flight, including placing his hand between her legs. Despite her vocal protests, Morgan alleges that flight crew members failed to intervene. She further claims that airline executives later attempted to shift blame onto her for not reporting the incident during the flight.
Nearly a year prior, Abraham was federally charged with sexually assaulting another passenger on a March 18 flight from Chicago to Seattle. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington reported that Abraham repeatedly touched a 22-year-old woman seated next to him, including reaching under her arm to touch her breast. After confronting him, the woman was moved to a different seat by flight attendants. Abraham denied the allegations when questioned by authorities.
Morgan’s attorney, SARAH M. RAISCH, criticized **American Airlines** for its alleged indifference to passenger safety. “American Airlines has been aware for years that sexual assaults on overnight flights are increasing. Yet they allowed Cherian Abraham to become a serial predator under their watch and on their airplanes,” Raisch stated. “When our brave client reported her terrifying experience, they brushed her off and blamed her for their utter indifference to her safety.”
Morgan shared her story in hopes of prompting corporations to take women’s safety more seriously. “It is hard to describe how traumatizing it is to have a stranger touch you like that on a crowded plane, in a confined space, with nowhere to go,” Morgan said. “I felt exposed and yet completely invisible. I felt paralyzed. When the flight landed, and I reported what happened, I hoped American Airlines would step in and, at the very least, tell me they would do better to protect other women. Instead, I was met with cold responses and blame, as if I had done something wrong.”
In a statement to Fox News Digital, **American Airlines** said, “The safety of our customers and team members is our highest priority. We take this matter very seriously and are working closely with law enforcement on its investigation.” A source familiar with the situation confirmed that Abraham has been banned from flying with the airline.
Abraham was released on bond. If convicted of abusive sexual contact, he faces up to two years in prison.
Sources:
[FOX 32 Chicago](https://www.fox32chicago.com)
[Fox News Digital](https://www.foxnews.com)