A former Downtown man has pleaded guilty to molesting a 14-year-old girl who sat next to him on an airplane flight from North Carolina to San Diego.

Ryan Bill Coffey, 33, faces up to two years in federal prison when he is sentenced on Nov. 4 by U.S. District Court Judge Anthony Battaglia.

The incident took place on Jan. 7, 2023, when the girl was apparently traveling alone from Charlotte, N.C., and was assigned randomly to sit next to Coffey, who did not know her, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office.

“Thanks to the courage of a brave girl who reported what happened in the dark on a plane and swift engagement from law enforcement, this defendant was brought to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath.

Coffey admitted to giving the girl rum and touching her inner thigh and breasts while seated, according to authorities.

“The U.S. Attorney’s office is committed to protecting the public in the air, on the ground, or at sea,” said McGrath.

“Ryan Coffey’s conduct was abhorrent,” said Acting FBI San Diego Special Agent in charge T.J. Holland.

“The FBI, along with our dedicated law enforcement partners remain committed to using all tools available to follow the evidence and bring those who commit crimes against children to justice,” said Holland.

Coffey was allowed to remain free on $50,000 bond on condition he remain in his apartment Downtown. Before he pleaded guilty to a felony on Aug. 12, he was allowed to travel to a pawn shop in Hillcrest to transfer ownership of a .45 caliber firearm as a felon cannot possess a firearm, according to court records.

Because he is ordered to remain at home, Coffey received permission from Battaglia to move to Colorado with a family member where he can live until sentencing on Nov. 4.

Though the incident occurred in 2023, Coffey was not indicted on charges until March 15, 2024. Coffey, who works in accounting, will have to register as a sex offender in whatever county he will reside in after he finishes his sentence.