HOUSTON—Leonard Julius Sawyerr, 33, now
of Houston, has been convicted of two counts of lewd, indecent, or obscene
acts, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today. Sawyerr, who
holds a law license in the state of California, entered the guilty plea just a
short time ago before U.S. Magistrate Judge George C. Hanks, Jr.
On February 14, 2011, Sawyerr boarded a
Continental Airlines flight from Los Angeles, California, to Houston. He
occupied the middle seat and a woman whom he did not know occupied the window
seat next to him. According to information presented in court today, Sawyerr
insisted the arm rest between he and the woman remain raised to eliminate any
physical barrier, and during the flight, he continuously asked her personal
questions. When efforts to terminate the conversations failed, the woman put on
her earphones and began watching a movie on her iPhone.
At some point during the flight, Sawyerr
raised his tray table, and the woman observed his erect genitals protruding out
of his pants. As she tried to move, he got up and turned towards her with his
genitals exposed, at which time he asked if she wanted to climb over him. At
that point, she was able to change seats, and he then put his genitals back in
his pants.
Also sometime during the flight, a
Continental Airlines flight attendant was in the rear galley with co-workers
preparing a serving cart when she observed Sawyerr walking towards the rear of
the aircraft and enter the bathroom. Per information offered to the court
today, the flight attendant noted he was staring at her strangely which made
her feel uncomfortable. Sawyerr exited the bathroom and began to return to his
seat but suddenly looked back, turned around, and walked back towards her. He
entered the bathroom again and, upon his exit, opened his jacket, revealing his
erect genitals sticking out of his pants. When the flight attendant told him he
was being inappropriate, Sawyerr stated, “Can’t a guy have his fly undone?” and
returned to his seat.
A Continental employee who took a report
regarding the incident overheard Sawyerr mentioning the impact the matter could
have on his legal career.
Sawyerr has been permitted to remain on
bond pending his sentencing hearing, set for August 30, 2012, at which time he
faces up to 90 days in prison and a $5,000 fine on each count.
The case was investigated by the FBI and
is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sherri L. Zack.
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