SW Florida Man Masturbated On Flight To Boston: Police

BONITA SPRINGS, FL — A man from Bonita Springs faces a criminal charge after a woman told police she saw him masturbate and expose himself Friday on a flight from Newark to Boston.

Donald Edward Robinson, 76, of Florida, was arrested Sunday morning at Boston Logan International Airport, United States Attorney Rachael Rollins said in a news release.

According to court documents, Robinson took his penis out of his pants and started masturbating next to the 21-year-old woman before putting his hand on her thigh without her permission.

The woman told police she recorded a 24-second video of Robinson fondling himself through his pants before she says he exposed himself and touched her. According to Rollins, the woman asked Robinson why he was touching her, and Robinson withdrew his hand and looked out the window.

The woman told authorities she got the attention of another passenger, and displayed a message on her phone: "Hi, this man assaulted me and touched my leg and is masturbating."

While they were getting off the plane, the woman spoke to a flight attendant, but was unable to point out Robinson in the process. Rollins said security footage captured Robinson leaving the terminal, but repeatedly looking back in the direction he came from while going to the baggage carousel level.

Robinson faces one count of lewd, indecent, and obscene acts while in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. He could face up to 90 days in prison, with up to one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $5,000.

Robinson will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston at a later date.

Patch editor Haley Cornwell contributed to this story.