A Massachusetts man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for allegedly engaging in abusive sexual contact with a minor during a flight from Puerto Rico to Boston. Jonathan Alan Lefman, 46, of Newton, Massachusetts, faces one count of abusive sexual contact while in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. He was arrested on February 7, 2025, and released under certain conditions.
The indictment alleges that on August 30, 2024, Lefman was traveling with his family on a JetBlue flight from San Juan to Boston when he repeatedly made unwanted sexual contact with a 17-year-old female passenger seated directly in front of him. According to court documents, Lefman allegedly reached between the seats to touch the minor's buttocks without her consent. The victim reportedly captured video evidence of Lefman's actions using her cell phone camera.
After deplaning, an adult family member of the victim reported the incident to a JetBlue supervisor and confronted Lefman with video evidence supporting their claim.
If convicted, Lefman could face up to two years in prison, five years to life supervised release, and fines up to $250,000. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and relevant statutes.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Boston Division; and Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble of the Massachusetts State Police. The Boston Police Department provided valuable assistance in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum is prosecuting.
It is important to note that these charges are allegations at this stage and that Jonathan Alan Lefman is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.