WASHINGTON – In a significant ruling, Bryan Betancur was found guilty today in D.C. Superior Court for assaulting a woman on the Metro, according to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. The verdict comes after a bench trial determined that Betancur committed an act of simple assault on February 28, 2026, while traveling on a train at the NOMA-Gallaudet station.
U.S. Attorney Pirro emphasized the importance of safety in public transit, stating, “Today’s verdict underscores our commitment to protecting the safety and dignity of every passenger who relies on our public transit system. No crime is too small when it involves a person’s sense of security.” Following the incident, which involved Betancur recording himself stroking the victim’s hair and posting the video online, he was arrested on March 12, 2026. He was initially released under strict conditions, including a prohibition from accessing the Metro, but was later rearrested on unrelated charges.
The sentencing for Betancur is scheduled for August 13, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in Courtroom 218. He will remain detained until that date. The case was investigated by the Metro Transit Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, with prosecution led by Assistant United States Attorney Dilan Patel. Chief Stephen Boehm of the Metro Transit Police Department joined U.S. Attorney Pirro in the announcement, highlighting the collaborative efforts to ensure public safety in the District.
This conviction serves as a reminder to Washington, D.C. residents about the ongoing commitment to maintaining safety and accountability within the city’s transit system, particularly in areas frequented by commuters and visitors alike. As the District continues to navigate public safety challenges, this case reflects the legal system’s responsiveness to crimes that impact the everyday lives of its citizens.
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