Newton Man Convicted of Groping Teen on Boston-Bound Flight, Sentencing Set for 2027

NEWTON, Mass. — A Newton man has been convicted of abusive sexual contact involving a 17-year-old girl aboard a Boston-bound flight from Puerto Rico, according to federal prosecutors.

Jonathan Alan Lefman, 48, was found guilty on October 16, 2026, following a three-day jury trial in federal court. His sentencing is scheduled for January 12, 2027.

Incident Occurred on JetBlue Flight

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, the incident occurred on August 30, 2024, aboard a JetBlue flight traveling from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Boston.

Prosecutors said Lefman was seated behind the teenager and repeatedly reached his hand through the gap between the back and bottom of her seat, touching her without permission during the flight and while passengers waited to leave the aircraft after landing.

Authorities said the teenager recorded video of Lefman’s fingers protruding through the gap in her seat. She also recorded video of him as he exited the aircraft.

After the flight, an adult female family member traveling with the teenager reported the incident to a JetBlue supervisor and confronted Lefman, showing the video as supporting evidence, according to federal authorities.

Federal Conviction and Upcoming Sentencing

Lefman was arrested and charged in February 2025. A federal grand jury indicted him in March 2025, and the case proceeded to trial in October 2026.

The jury convicted Lefman of one count of abusive sexual contact within the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States.

The charge carries a maximum prison sentence of two years, a fine of up to $250,000, and a period of supervised release that may range from five years to life, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Lefman is scheduled to appear for sentencing on January 12, 2027, before a federal judge. The final sentence will be determined by the court.

Source: U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts; reporting by Hoodline.