Judge Finds Man Guilty of Assaulting Woman

WASHINGTON – Bryan Betancur was found guilty today in D.C. Superior Court, following a bench trial for charges related to assaulting a woman on the metro, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. “Today’s verdict underscores our commitment to protecting the safety and dignity of every passenger who relies on our public transit system,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “No crime is too small when it involves a person’s sense of security.” Betancur was found guilty of one count of simple assault on August 12, 2026. Sentencing will take place on August 13, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in Courtroom 218. He will remain detained pending sentencing. According to the government’s evidence, on February 28, 2026, the defendant was on the Metro at the NOMA-Gallaudet station riding the train. While on the train, the defendant recorded himself stroking the victim’s hair. Seconds later, he posted the video to his X account. On March 12, 2026, the defendant was arrested and released with conditions that included a stay away from the Metro. Following the defendant’s rearrest for unrelated charges, the defendant was held pending trial. Joining the announcement was Chief Stephen Boehm of the Metro Transit Police Department. This case was investigated by the Metro Transit Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dilan Patel.