News Summary
A 65-year-old registered sex offender, John Daniel Fowler, has been charged after allegedly groping a 17-year-old girl on a Spirit Airlines flight from Indianapolis to Orlando. The incident, which occurred shortly after takeoff, involved Fowler making inappropriate advances toward the teenager, culminating in a serious violation just before landing. After the aircraft landed, authorities were notified, leading to Fowler’s arrest. Spirit Airlines has banned him permanently and emphasized their commitment to passenger safety, sparking discussions about screening practices for travelers with criminal histories.
Orlando, FL – A 65-year-old registered sex offender, John Daniel Fowler, has been charged with groping a 17-year-old girl on a Spirit Airlines flight, according to federal authorities. The incident occurred during flight NK 1523 from Indianapolis to Orlando on July 29, 2025, prompting immediate action from both flight attendants and law enforcement upon landing.
The incident unfolded shortly after takeoff, at approximately 9:17 a.m. Fowler was allegedly seated next to the victim, who had asked another passenger to take a photograph of her while seated between Fowler and the aisle. Following the photo request, Fowler reportedly solicited the victim to send him the picture and provided his phone number. Despite the girl’s efforts to disengage from the unwanted conversation, Fowler pursued further interaction, disregarding her discomfort.
Throughout the flight, Fowler allegedly placed his hand over the armrest, repeatedly attempting to make contact with the victim. Each time, the teenager pushed his hand away, a move that demonstrated her clear disinterest and discomfort with his advances. The escalation of the situation occurred just before the flight landed. The victim awoke to find Fowler’s hand under her blanket inappropriately touching her. This led her to scream for assistance, prompting an immediate response from the cabin crew.
Following the incident, flight attendants moved the victim to the front of the aircraft and relocated Fowler to the rear, ensuring the safety of the victim. Once the plane landed at Orlando International Airport, police were notified about the situation. Officers were quick to apprehend Fowler for questioning regarding the allegations.
During his interrogation, Fowler defended his actions by claiming he had merely bent down to retrieve a thermos that had fallen, alleging that his arm accidentally brushed against the victim’s leg. This explanation was met with skepticism given his prior actions throughout the flight.
Fowler’s history as a registered sex offender further complicates his case. He was previously convicted of sexual battery in 2023 for assaulting a sleeping victim in her own home, establishing a concerning pattern of behavior. He now faces serious charges that include abusive sexual contact as a registered sex offender, which carries a potential sentence of up to three years in federal prison. Additionally, the possibility of a 10-year enhancement to his sentence applies due to his status as a repeat offender.
Spirit Airlines has issued a statement affirming their zero-tolerance policy concerning inappropriate behavior. They have confirmed that Fowler is permanently banned from flying with the airline in the future. His actions have raised concerns regarding the effectiveness of measures taken during the boarding process, as he had exhibited erratic behavior prior to boarding, including complaints about an oversized luggage fee and expressions of frustration that included wishing for the plane to crash.
This incident has ignited discussions regarding the responsibility of airlines in screening passengers and ensuring a safe environment for all travelers, particularly in cases involving individuals with known criminal histories. While authorities continue to investigate the event, the safety of airline passengers remains a priority for both airlines and law enforcement agencies alike.
As this case unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in addressing and reporting inappropriate behavior in any public setting, especially in close quarters, such as an airplane.
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Additional Resources
- ClickOrlando: Registered sex offender accused of groping teen on Spirit Airlines flight to Orlando
- Fox35 Orlando: Registered sex offender accused of groping teen on flight to Orlando
- Inkl: Exclusive – Registered sex offender banned from Spirit Airlines after arrest for groping teenage seatmate
- Google Search: Registered sex offender airlines incident
- Fox35 Orlando: 18 Florida sexual predators, offenders arrested in operations, FDLE says
- Wikipedia: Sexual offender
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
