WASHINGTON, D.C. — Bryan Betancur was found guilty of a single count of simple assault in Washington, D.C. Superior Court on August 12, 2026. The conviction stems from an incident in February where Betancur sat behind a woman on a Metro Red Line train and touched her hair.

Betancur posted video of the incident to social media. The judge stated, "It’s just a creepy thing to do." "It was very upsetting and unsettling to see someone had touched me and posted about it on the internet without my consent," the victim testified.

"I think about this video every single day. I think about this video every time I get on the Metro, which is twice every single day," the victim said.

The maximum sentence for the misdemeanor charge is 180 days. Betancur could receive a $1,000 fine in addition to jail time. Prosecutors indicated they would argue for more jail time rather than giving Betancur credit for time served.

Betancur has served 125 days in custody after a judge ordered him held in April over an alleged bail violation. A sentencing hearing is set for Thursday. Betancur resides in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Betancur is facing a stalking charge in Washington, D.C. He is also facing an additional assault and battery charge in Arlington, Virginia. The Arlington charge stems from an incident where Betancur is accused of livestreaming himself fondling the hair of a different woman on a train.

Why It Matters

The case involves issues of non-consensual physical contact on public transit and the subsequent online distribution of such acts. The victim's testimony described the psychological harm caused by the combination of physical violation and digital exposure without consent. The upcoming sentencing will determine whether Betancur receives additional jail time beyond the 125 days already served.

Timeline

A prior incident involving Betancur occurred on January 6, 2021, when he was part of the Capitol riot. Betancur was photographed holding a Confederate flag during the Jan. 6 insurrection. The FBI stated Betancur was on parole for burglary charges and wearing an ankle monitor while taking part in the Capitol insurrection.

Betancur was found guilty of a single count of simple assault in Washington, D.C. Superior Court on August 12, 2026. During the proceedings, the victim testified, "It was very upsetting and unsettling to see someone had touched me and posted about it on the internet without my consent." The judge stated, "It’s just a creepy thing to do." The victim also testified, "I think about this video every single day. I think about this video every time I get on the Metro, which is twice every single day."

What's New

Additional reporting indicates a prior incident involving Betancur occurred on January 6, 2021, when he was part of the Capitol riot and was later pardoned by President Donald Trump. A hearing is scheduled for May 15 in connection with Betancur's cases, set by the D.C. court. Contextual information confirms the Metro Red Line is Washington Metro rapid transit line.

How Sources Differ

Sources differ on the specific details regarding the pardon of Betancur by President Donald Trump. One account states a prior incident involving Betancur occurred on January 6, 2021, when he was part of the Capitol riot and was later pardoned by President Donald Trump. Another source, citing a White House pardon warrant, states Betancur was sentenced to jail for his role in the Jan. 6 insurrection but was later pardoned by President Donald Trump.