Joshua S. Levy, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts
A Newton, 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, faces one count of abusive sexual contact while within the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. He was previously arrested on February 7, 2025, and released under certain conditions.
According to court documents, the incident occurred on August 30, 2024, aboard a JetBlue flight from San Juan to Boston. Lefman was traveling with his wife and four children when he allegedly made repeated unwanted sexual contact with a 17-year-old female passenger seated in front of him. It is alleged that Lefman intentionally reached through the gap between the seat back and bottom to touch the minor's buttocks without consent. The victim reportedly captured video evidence of Lefman's actions using her cell phone camera.
After disembarking, an adult female family member of the victim reported the incident to a JetBlue supervisor and confronted Lefman with video evidence.
The charge carries potential penalties including up to two years in prison, five years to lifetime supervised release, and fines up to $250,000. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
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 also provided assistance in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum is prosecuting.
The allegations remain unproven until guilt is established beyond reasonable doubt in court.
