Alaska Man Sentenced to 18 Months for 2025 In‑Flight Sexual Assault
Updated (2 articles)
Sentencing Includes 18‑Month Prison Term and Supervised Release Trayton C. Ballot, a 29‑year‑old Deering resident, received an 18‑month federal prison sentence on Feb 4 2026, followed by ten years of supervised release, and was credited for time already served after the Jan 2025 assault [1]. The court’s decision reflects the seriousness of sexual misconduct on commercial aircraft and applies federal sentencing guidelines [1].
Assault Involved Repeated Unwanted Touches of Victim’s Inner Thigh The victim, a 17‑year‑old passenger, reported that Ballot touched her inner thigh three separate times despite her attempts to block his hand with a tray table and a stuffed animal [1]. After the third contact she typed a message describing the assault, showed it to her mother seated behind her, and alerted the flight crew [1]. Crew members intervened promptly, leading to the suspect’s removal from the cabin [1].
Arrest Occurred After Landing at Seattle‑Tacoma on Jan 15, 2025 Authorities detained Ballot shortly after the Anchorage‑Seattle flight touched down at Seattle‑Tacoma International Airport on Jan 15 2025 [1]. FBI Seattle special agent W. Mike Herrington praised the victim’s and her mother’s bravery and emphasized that in‑flight sexual crimes fall under federal jurisdiction [1]. The arrest was coordinated with local law‑enforcement partners under federal authority [1].
FBI Emphasizes Federal Jurisdiction and Reporting Channels The FBI reiterated that sexual misconduct aboard aircraft is a federal offense and urged victims or witnesses to report incidents to flight crew, port police, local police, or directly to the FBI [1]. Contact numbers provided include the 1‑800‑225‑5324 hotline and the online portal tips.fbi.gov [1]. The agency highlighted ongoing efforts to educate the public on recognizing and reporting such crimes [1].
Timeline
2023 – A 2023 domestic‑violence incident generates a no‑bail felony warrant for the later Sea‑Tac suspect, establishing his prior criminal history that police discover during the November 2025 arrest [2].
Jan 15, 2025 – Trayton C. Ballot is arrested at Seattle‑Tacoma Airport shortly after a Jan. 2025 Anchorage‑Seattle flight, where he repeatedly touches a 17‑year‑old passenger’s inner thigh despite her attempts to block him, prompting the victim to message crew and her mother, leading to crew intervention and his custody [1].
Jan 2025 (flight) – The victim alerts crew and her mother via a phone message during the flight, and FBI Seattle special agent W. Mike Herrington praises her bravery, emphasizing that in‑flight sexual misconduct is a federal crime under FBI jurisdiction [1].
Nov 7, 2025 – Port of Seattle police respond to TSA Checkpoint 3 at 5:56 p.m. after reports of an intoxicated Alaska Airlines passenger; officers observe strong alcohol odor, bloodshot eyes, and profanity, and discover outstanding felony and misdemeanor warrants during a records check [2].
Nov 7, 2025 (arrest) – While searching the suspect in a patrol car, he spits over his right shoulder, striking an officer’s face; the incident is classified as third‑degree assault, and the suspect is booked on the Department of Corrections warrant [2].
Dec 1, 2025 – The intoxicated suspect appears for arraignment at 9 a.m.; prosecutors seek a summons for future hearings, and he is released after his first appearance pending further proceedings [2].
Feb 4, 2026 – A Seattle federal court sentences Trayton C. Ballot to 18 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release, granting credit for time already served and reinforcing the FBI’s call for victims to report in‑flight sexual crimes to crew, police, or the FBI hotline [1].
Future (post‑sentencing) – Ballot must comply with a decade of supervised release after his prison term, during which any violation could trigger additional federal penalties, underscoring the long‑term consequences of federal sexual‑assault convictions [1].