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Boston dad found guilty of sexually abusing teen on plane while with his wife and kids as chilling image is released
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A father of four from Boston has been found guilty of sexually abusing a teenage girl while on a plane with his family.
Jonathan Alan Lefman, 48, had been on board a JetBlue flight from Puerto Rico to Boston on August 30, 2024, when the incident occurred.
Lefman, who was with his wife and four children at the time, was found guilty of repeatedly fondling a 17-year-old girl who was sat in the seat in front of him by reaching through the cushions.
The girl had managed to snap a terrifying photo of Lefman's hand wedged between the seat and the back rest of her airplane seat as he touched her buttocks without her consent.
Prosecutors said the teenage girl saw Lefman's reflection in the seatback monitor in front of her as he leaned between the seats and quickly took a photo of his fingers reaching through her seat.
An affidavit in support of an application for a criminal complaint said that Lefman's son, who was 16 at the time, was sat to the left of him while the incident took place.
After boarding the plane, an adult female family member of the young girl - who'd been seated in a different row - confronted Lefman and reported the inappropriate behavior to a JetBlue supervisor, along with a video of his fingers between the seat cushions as evidence.
Lefman, who lives in Newton, apologized and claimed he had been stretching, and when asked if the fingers on the footage were familiar, he told investigators: "Not really, no."
He was found guilty of one count of abusive sexual contact while in the special aircraft jurisdiction after a three-day trial, the US Attorney’s Office in Massachusetts announced on Thursday.
Lefman is due to be sentenced on January 12, 2027, and could face up to two years in prison, five years to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000, per the New York Post.
US Attorney Leah B. Foley said in a statement: "The defendant repeatedly sexually abused a minor who was simply trying to travel safely aboard a commercial flight.
"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 E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division, added in a statement: "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.
"The FBI is fully committed to protecting children and ensuring those who exploit or abuse them, like Mr. Lefman, are brought to justice."