A Newton resident, Jonathan Alan Lefman, has been charged with abusive sexual contact involving a minor during a flight from Puerto Rico to Boston in August 2024. The incident allegedly occurred aboard a JetBlue flight where Lefman was traveling with his family.
According to court documents, the alleged victim, a 17-year-old female passenger seated directly in front of Lefman, reported that he repeatedly made unwanted physical contact by reaching through the gap between her seat and its backrest. The victim captured video evidence of the incident using her cell phone camera.
Upon deplaning, an adult family member of the victim confronted Lefman and reported the incident to JetBlue staff. This led to Lefman's arrest on charges that could result in up to two years in prison if convicted.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley alongside Jodi Cohen from the FBI's Boston Division and Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble of the Massachusetts State Police. The Boston Police Department also contributed assistance to this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum is handling prosecution efforts.
It is important to note that these are allegations and Mr. Lefman is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.