A 28-year-old Alaska resident was found guilty Wednesday of abusive sexual contact with a minor aboard an Alaska Airlines flight from Anchorage to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, federal prosecutors announced.
Trayton C. Ballot faces up to two years in prison following his conviction for repeatedly touching a 17-year-old passenger’s inner thigh during the January 15 flight. A federal jury deliberated approximately one hour after a two-day trial before returning the guilty verdict.
Court documents detail how Ballot, seated in a middle seat toward the aircraft’s rear, targeted the teenage victim occupying the adjacent window seat. The assault occurred while the victim traveled with her mother and a friend from Anchorage to Seattle.
Ballot pretended to sleep while placing his hand on the victim’s inner thigh and rubbing it for sexual gratification. When the victim removed his hand, Ballot repeated the unwanted contact two additional times despite her clear rejection of his advances.
The teenager attempted to protect herself by lowering her tray table and positioning a stuffed animal beneath it to block Ballot’s access to her lap. Undeterred, Ballot maneuvered his hand under the armrest separating their seats and continued attempting to touch her thigh.
The victim ultimately pressed down on the stuffed animal to prevent further assault, forcing Ballot to withdraw his hand. She then typed a message on her phone alerting her mother, who was seated directly behind her, about the ongoing harassment.
Following her mother’s direction, the victim notified flight attendants, who immediately relocated her to a different seat away from Ballot. Airport police arrested Ballot upon the aircraft’s arrival at Sea-Tac Airport.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the case investigation with assistance from Port of Seattle Police. U.S. District Judge John H. Chun will sentence Ballot on December 15.
The conviction highlights ongoing concerns about passenger safety aboard commercial flights, particularly regarding vulnerable travelers such as unaccompanied minors and young adults. Federal authorities maintain jurisdiction over crimes committed aboard aircraft, enabling prosecution under federal statutes with enhanced penalties.
The case demonstrates the importance of immediate reporting of inappropriate behavior during flights, as crew members are trained to respond swiftly to passenger safety concerns and coordinate with law enforcement agencies.
