United States Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan announced today, April 21, 2008, that Michael Lamar Holland, a resident of Montoursville, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of engaging in abusive sexual contact while on an airplane.

Holland, age 46, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Alan N. Bloch.

In connection with the guilty plea, Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller advised the court that on December 30, 2007, Holland, while on an aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States, engaged in abusive sexual contact against another passenger.

Judge Bloch scheduled sentencing for July 24, 2008, at 2:30 p.m.  The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 2 years in prison, a fine of $250,000.00, or both.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Holland remains on bond pending sentencing.

The Federal Air Marshals Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Allegheny County Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Holland.