New Jersey man indicted on Phoenix-to-Newark in-flight sex abuse charge

NEWARK, NJ - A New Jersey man has been indicted on a charge of sexually abusing a sleeping woman on a flight from Phoenix to Newark.

Federal prosecutors say Bawer Aksal of North Bergen was charged with sexual abuse in an indictment Thursday.

Prosecutors say a woman on an Aug. 20 flight from Phoenix to Newark awoke to find Aksal's hands inside her clothing. Aksal has denied through his attorney that he abused the woman.

A federal magistrate in Newark set bail Thursday at $100,000 and ordered that if he is freed, Aksal must remain in his apartment and wear an electronic monitor.

Prosecutors argued Aksal, a Turkish-born U.S. citizen, is a flight risk. Aksal's attorney said his client is a Kurd who fled persecution and has no desire to return to Turkey.