Man allegedly touched teen on flight to Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Federal charges have been filed against a Newport man after authorities allege he touched a teen passenger and showed her sexually explicit content during a flight to Rhode Island.

James Brugman, 54, has been charged with abusive sexual contact on an aircraft and simple assault, according to court documents filed in U.S. District Court in Rhode Island.

Investigators allege the incident occurred on a Breeze Airways flight traveling from Tampa to Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport on November 17, 2025.

According to an affidavit filed by the Federal Air Marshals Service, Brugman engaged in repeated conversations with a 16-year-old girl seated beside him and allegedly made multiple unwanted physical advances during the flight.

Court records state the teenager later told investigators she felt uncomfortable and intimidated throughout the trip. After landing and meeting her mother at the airport, she reported the incident to police.

Authorities also allege Brugman asked the girl inappropriate personal questions and displayed a sexually explicit image on his cellphone.

During the investigation, federal agents interviewed other passengers who described Brugman’s behavior as loud and inappropriate. Investigators later used airline records to identify him as the passenger seated next to the victim.

Brugman made an initial appearance in federal court last week. Prosecutors did not seek his detention, and he was released on a $10,000 bond.

A hearing in the case is scheduled for Monday.