Watch CBS News

Prosecutors: Bible College President Charged With Sexually Assaulting Student On New Jersey-Bound Flight

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — The president of a Louisiana bible college has been charged with sexually assaulting a student on a flight from Israel to New Jersey. Federal prosecutors say 65-year-old Cornelius Tilton, of New Orleans, was seated next to a 19-year-old man on a flight from Tel Aviv to Newark Liberty International Airport.

Prosecutors allege that Tilton touched the student inappropriately and grabbed the student's hand, forcing the victim's hand to touch him in a sexual manner.

Tilton was arrested by FBI agents when the plane arrived in Newark on Saturday. He was charged with abusive sexual contact and was scheduled to make his initial court appearance Monday.

It wasn't known if Tilton has retained an attorney. He could face up to two years in prison if convicted.

(Copyright 2019 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.