Charged : Kevin C. Matthews , pictured , is accused of sexually abusing a 3-year-old boy on a plane . Federal prosecutors in Utah have charged a man accused of sexually abusing a sleeping 3-year-old boy on a plane . Investigators say in court documents filed Tuesday that the child was seated next to Kevin C. Matthews on the flight from Chicago to San Diego with a layover in Salt Lake City . Charging documents say that the boy 's mother was concerned about being seated across the aisle from her son Monday . However , their family was flying standby and Matthews appeared to be friendly , according to the documents . Prosecutors say other passengers saw Matthews touch the child inappropriately after the boy fell asleep and reported the groping to flight attendants , who moved the child to his mother 's lap . The Deseret News reported that Matthews is 48 and from Illinois . He is facing an abusive sexual contact charge over the alleged incident on the Delta flight , according to the newspaper . In an affidavit obtained by the Deseret News , a FBI agent said Matthews said he 'd drank several glasses of wine , but denied being drunk . Matthews also reportedly denied touching the child 's groin with his hand . Matthews told the agent 'it was possible that he touched ( the boy ) , but if he did touch ( him ) , it was an accident , ' according to the affidavit . Defense attorney Susanne Gustin did not immediately return a message seeking comment . Incident : Matthews is accused of committing the sexual abuse while on a Delta flight going from Chicago to San Diego , with a layover in Salt Lake City ( file photo )
Federal prosecutors in Utah have charged year - old Kevin ben ##nett . Investigators say in court documents the child was next to Matthews on the flight from Chicago to San Diego with a layover in Salt Lake City . Prosecutors say other witnesses saw Matthews touch the child inappropriately after the boy fell asleep . They reported the groping to flight attendants , who moved the child to his mother 's lap , according to prosecutors .