Boston Father Convicted of Sexually Abusing Teen on JetBlue Flight

A Boston father has been convicted of sexually abusing a teenage girl on a JetBlue flight from Puerto Rico to Boston in August 2024. Jonathan Alan Lefman, 48, was found guilty by a jury on October 16 of one count of abusive sexual contact while in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States.

Prosecutors stated that throughout the flight, Lefman repeatedly inserted his fingers between the seats and touched the 17-year-old victim's buttocks without her consent. The victim identified Lefman by seeing his reflection in the seatback monitor and by recording a video on her phone of his fingers protruding through the seat.

Lefman, who was traveling with his wife and four children, including a 16-year-old son seated next to him, initially denied the allegations. He was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in February 2025, followed by an indictment by a grand jury the next month. His son was not accused of any wrongdoing.

The assault occurred on JetBlue flight 62, which departed San Juan, Puerto Rico, around 10 a.m. on August 30, 2024, and landed at Boston Logan International Airport approximately four hours later. The victim was seated in row 30, while Lefman and his family were in row 31.

The victim reported that she initially thought Lefman might be stretching, but realized he was intentionally touching her. She attempted to avoid contact by moving within her seat.

After the plane landed, Lefman reportedly touched the victim's buttocks again as passengers were deplaning. The victim captured another video of him at this time. Following the incident, a family member of the victim reported Lefman's behavior to a JetBlue supervisor. This family member then confronted Lefman outside the terminal, showing him the video. Lefman reportedly apologized, claiming he had been stretching.

U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley stated that Lefman "repeatedly sexually abused a minor who was simply trying to travel safely aboard a commercial flight." She added, "No one should have to fear being sexually assaulted, whether in the air or on the ground. Today's verdict holds the defendant accountable for his disturbing conduct and sends a clear message that those who prey on vulnerable passengers will face justice."

Ted D. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Boston, commented, "This verdict delivers justice for a young teen who showed remarkable courage following an appalling act. No one should ever be subjected to such harmful and predatory conduct—least of all in a confined, public space where she was entitled to feel safe." He affirmed the FBI's commitment to protecting children and bringing offenders to justice.

Lefman is scheduled to be sentenced in January. He faces a maximum penalty of two years in prison, up to five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.