Sigh... Happy New Year...

Here's a tip for any guys out there who may wonder what's appropriate when attempting to strike a woman's fancy onboard an airline flight: when the air marshals have to intervene, you've gone too far.

Such was the case, apparently, onboard a United Airlines flight Sunday from Washington Dulles to Seattle. The Associated Press reports Michael Lamar Holland, 46, was taken into custody on charges of abusive sexual contact.

The incident began when a witness saw Holland stroking a woman's hair as she tried to sleep onboard the flight. When the woman objected, Holland reportedly fondled her... prompting the cabin crew to get involved, who in turn asked for further assistance.

"The next thing you know, he's groping her," said special agent Ted Hresko. "The flight attendants asked our (air marshals) to get involved... There was no alcohol on his breath, and when he was interviewed he said he hadn't had a drink for five years. We have no reason to believe that he was drunk or on any kind of narcotic."

While marshals handcuffed Holland to an empty seat, the pilot opted to divert to Pittsburgh to offload him. Flight 917 resumed its trip to Seattle about two hours later.

"I think I'm still in a bit of shock," the woman who made the accusations told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review on Monday.

Holland appeared Monday before a Pittsburgh magistrate, according to Margaret Philbin, spokeswoman for the US Attorney's Office in Pittsburgh. He was released on bond with orders to return for a January 7 court appearance.

The federal charge carries punishment of up to one year in jail, and a $1,000 fine.

FMI: www.tsa.gov/lawenforcement/index.shtm