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http://www.nj.com/essex/index.ssf/2012/08/man_accused_of_sexual_assault.html
NEWARK — The woman was motionless and sound asleep in a window seat on the cross-country flight bound for Newark, authorities say, when the man seated just inches away from her slipped his hands into her pants and shirt and sexually abused her.:no:
As she awoke, authorities say, the man, breathing heavily, whispered, "Kiss me." Startled, the woman demanded the man get off of her as she slammed down the armrest between them.:blush
Moments later on that United Airlines flight Monday, the woman reported the alleged crime to a crew member.
If the allegations contained in a short but graphic complaint filed Tuesday in federal court in Newark are proven, Bawer Aksal, a 48-year-old Turkish national who lives in North Bergen, will face a maximum punishment of life in prison.:yes:
"This was a brazen and unthinkable violation of a sleeping woman," Prosecutor Danielle Alfonzo Walsman said today to U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Falk. Walsman argued Aksal should be denied bail, calling him a flight risk and potential danger to the community.
Just a few yards away, Aksal, whose attorney said he is unemployed but who is listed on the internet as a hotel consulting company's managing director, stood in handcuffs with dreary eyes, sagging cheeks and tightly closed lips. His face somewhat unshaven, and wearing a T-shirt and blue jeans, Aksal spoke only a few words in a soft voice.
Calling the case "deeply troubling" and the bail decision "incredibly difficult," Falk is detaining Aksal over the weekend until a more detailed hearing can be held Monday.
Kevin Carlucci, Aksal's public defender, told the judge Aksal has no previous criminal record, is a dual United States and Turkish citizen and has U.S. property that could be used to secure bond.
But Walsman countered Aksal's properties are "under water or nearly under water" financially and he's a flight risk because his family lives in Turkey.
The complaint said the alleged victim was wearing headphones and sleeping with a jacket across her waist in seat 24F of United Flight 306 when Aksal, in the middle seat, reached his hand inside her shorts and penetrated her with his fingers. He also allegedly reached his other hand into her shirt and touched her breast.
Authorities arrested Aksal when the plane landed.
Walsman said Aksal and the woman — who was traveling alone from Phoenix — had not spoken. She also said Aksal broke the accuser's bra.
Aksal told law enforcement he penetrated the woman with his fingers, but that she had forced his hand inside her, the complaint says.
Walsman called that defense "preposterous," pointing out the row's aisle passenger, who also reported the incident, had told authorities the woman was asleep.
According to hotel consultant Bajar & Ciya Hospitality Corp.'s website, Aksal has a degree in international business and hotel management from the City University of New York.
Calls to the company's Turkish and North Bergen offices today were not returned.
NEWARK — The woman was motionless and sound asleep in a window seat on the cross-country flight bound for Newark, authorities say, when the man seated just inches away from her slipped his hands into her pants and shirt and sexually abused her.:no:
As she awoke, authorities say, the man, breathing heavily, whispered, "Kiss me." Startled, the woman demanded the man get off of her as she slammed down the armrest between them.:blush
Moments later on that United Airlines flight Monday, the woman reported the alleged crime to a crew member.
If the allegations contained in a short but graphic complaint filed Tuesday in federal court in Newark are proven, Bawer Aksal, a 48-year-old Turkish national who lives in North Bergen, will face a maximum punishment of life in prison.:yes:
"This was a brazen and unthinkable violation of a sleeping woman," Prosecutor Danielle Alfonzo Walsman said today to U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Falk. Walsman argued Aksal should be denied bail, calling him a flight risk and potential danger to the community.
Just a few yards away, Aksal, whose attorney said he is unemployed but who is listed on the internet as a hotel consulting company's managing director, stood in handcuffs with dreary eyes, sagging cheeks and tightly closed lips. His face somewhat unshaven, and wearing a T-shirt and blue jeans, Aksal spoke only a few words in a soft voice.
Calling the case "deeply troubling" and the bail decision "incredibly difficult," Falk is detaining Aksal over the weekend until a more detailed hearing can be held Monday.
Kevin Carlucci, Aksal's public defender, told the judge Aksal has no previous criminal record, is a dual United States and Turkish citizen and has U.S. property that could be used to secure bond.
But Walsman countered Aksal's properties are "under water or nearly under water" financially and he's a flight risk because his family lives in Turkey.
The complaint said the alleged victim was wearing headphones and sleeping with a jacket across her waist in seat 24F of United Flight 306 when Aksal, in the middle seat, reached his hand inside her shorts and penetrated her with his fingers. He also allegedly reached his other hand into her shirt and touched her breast.
Authorities arrested Aksal when the plane landed.
Walsman said Aksal and the woman — who was traveling alone from Phoenix — had not spoken. She also said Aksal broke the accuser's bra.
Aksal told law enforcement he penetrated the woman with his fingers, but that she had forced his hand inside her, the complaint says.
Walsman called that defense "preposterous," pointing out the row's aisle passenger, who also reported the incident, had told authorities the woman was asleep.
According to hotel consultant Bajar & Ciya Hospitality Corp.'s website, Aksal has a degree in international business and hotel management from the City University of New York.
Calls to the company's Turkish and North Bergen offices today were not returned.
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