NEWARK, NJ – Ryan Manuella, a 30-year-old resident of Cheektowaga, New York, has been sentenced to a 24-month prison term for assaulting a female passenger on a flight to Newark Liberty International Airport, announced U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.
Manuella, who pleaded guilty to assault with intent to commit another felony, namely stalking, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court on November 16, 2023. He was detained without bond pending his sentencing.
The incident, which took place on a flight from Denver, Colorado, to Newark on April 16, 2021, involved Manuella moving to an empty seat next to a female passenger and touching her without consent. The assault caused substantial emotional distress to the victim, as acknowledged by Manuella in his guilty plea.
In addition to his prison sentence, Judge Wigenton imposed a three-year supervised release term. The successful prosecution and sentencing of Manuella was the result of collaborative efforts by the FBI, under Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, and the Port Authority Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys DeNae M. Thomas and Katherine M. Romano of the Health Care Fraud Unit in Newark represented the government in this case. This sentencing underscores the commitment of federal and local authorities to address and penalize criminal behavior in aviation, ensuring the safety and security of passengers.