According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges and other information presented in court: On September 28, 2010, on a Delta flight from Dallas to Atlanta, a 20 year-old woman seated in the same row with Lakha fell asleep, and woke up to discover Lakha allegedly touching her below the waist. She quickly removed his hand and told him not to do that. Lakha responded by asking the victim ?Is that okay-- you don't like that?? The woman responded no and recoiled her body to protect herself. At that point Lakha reached down and touched her again. The woman got up from her seat and reported the assault to a Delta flight attendant.

Further investigation by the FBI indicated that there may have been other similar incidents involving Lakha, possibly in the state of Alabama, and have asked that anyone who may have been victimized by the defendant call the FBI at 404-679-9000.

This indictment charges one count of assault, two counts of abusive sexual contact and one count of attempt to engage in a sexual act with someone who is physically incapable of declining participation or communicating unwillingness to engage in a sexual act. The charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. In determining the actual sentence, the Court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.