Bible College Prez Accused Of Sex Assault On Flight To Newark, NJ

NEWARK, NJ — The president of a bible college has been accused of sexually assaulting a student on an international flight bound for Newark Airport, authorities announced Monday.

Cornelius Tilton, 65, of New Orleans, Louisiana, has been charged with one count of abusive sexual contact, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

FBI agents arrested Tilton on Nov. 30 when his flight, which departed from Tel Aviv, Israel, arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport.

Tilton is scheduled to appear Monday in Newark federal court.

According to prosecutors, the incident allegedly took place while Tilton was sitting in a window seat next to the victim, a 19-year-old male student at a theological seminary who was traveling with a group of students on a religious trip to Israel.

Tilton accompanied the group as an unofficial guide, authorities said.

According to a statement from prosecutors:

“During the flight, Tilton allegedly placed his hand on the victim’s bare calf. Tilton continued to touch the victim’s thigh, and eventually began rubbing the victim’s genitals over the victim’s shorts. The victim did not react, or look at Tilton, out of shock and fear. Tilton took the victim’s hand and placed it on Tilton’s erect penis, on top of his clothing. The victim got up to go to the bathroom, in hopes of ending the assault. Tilton also went to the bathroom. When the victim and Tilton were back in their seats, Tilton continued to touch the bare skin of the victim’s lower back, underneath the victim’s clothing. Tilton moved his hand around to the front of the victim’s waistline, and attempted to place his hand down the victim’s pants, when the victim blocked Tilton’s hand with his elbow. The victim then got up from the seat and informed a flight attendant about the assault.”

The charge of abusive sexual contact carries a maximum sentence of two years in prison or a fine of up to $250,000, or both, prosecutors said.

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