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Boston father's excuse after being found guilty of sexually abusing teen on flight
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A dad of four had a questionable excuse after being found guilty of repeatedly sexually abusing a teenage girl while on a plane with his family.
Jonathan Alan Lefman, 48, was on board a JetBlue flight from Puerto Rico to Boston on August 30, 2024, when the incident took place.
He was with his wife and four children at the time, and was accused of repeatedly fondling a 17-year-old girl seated in front of him by reaching through the cushions.
The victim took a chilling picture of Lefman's hand wedged between the seat and backrest of her seat, as he touched her buttocks without consent, according to prosecutors.
After a three-day jury trial, the US Attorney’s Office in Massachusetts announced that the father was found guilty of abusive sexual contact on Thursday (October 22).
Lefman's bizarre claim
The dad, who resides in a $2.3 million home in Newton, claimed that he was simply stretching and apologized.
When he was asked if his fingers being caught on camera rang a bell, he claimed to investigators: "Not really, no."
According to prosecutors, the teenage girl saw Lefman's reflection in the seatback monitor in front of her as he leaned between the seats and quickly snapped a photo of his fingers reaching through her seat.
An affidavit in support of an application for a criminal complaint detailed that Lefman's son, who was 16 at the time, was seated 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.
On Thursday, Lefman was found guilty of one count of abusive sexual contact while in the special aircraft jurisdiction, with his sentencing scheduled for January 12, 2027.
He will face up to two years behind bars, as well as five years to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
Statements from officials
Following the disturbing case, 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."