Boston father found guilty of repeatedly touching teenage passenger on JetBlue flight

Jonathan Alan Lefman, a 48-year-old resident of Newton, was found guilty after a three-day jury trial of repeatedly fondling a 17-year-old girl on a JetBlue flight from Puerto Rico to Boston in August 2024. Lefman was on the plane with his wife and four children when he allegedly wedged his hand between the back and bottom of the seat in front of him to touch the teenager’s buttocks without consent. The girl saw his reflection in the seat-back monitor and photographed his fingers protruding between the seats.

Prosecutors secured a conviction on one count of abusive sexual contact under the special aircraft jurisdiction. US Attorney Leah B. Foley emphasized that the verdict holds the defendant accountable and aims to deter future assaults on passengers. Lefman is scheduled for sentencing on Jan. 12, 2027.