Two men convicted of sexual misconduct involving minors on flights

Two separate legal cases involving the sexual misconduct of minors during commercial flights have resulted in guilty pleas or convictions.

In Massachusetts, Jonathan Alan Lefman, 48, of Newton, was convicted by a jury for the sexual abuse of a 17-year-old girl. The incident occurred in August 2024 on a flight from Puerto Rico to Boston. Prosecutors stated that Lefman, who was traveling with his wife and four children, touched the girl without permission. The victim was able to document the incident by taking a photograph of the defendant's hand via a seatback monitor reflection. Lefman is scheduled for sentencing on January 12, 2027.

In Rhode Island, James F. Brugman, 54, of Newport, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of simple assault. The charge stems from inappropriate conduct involving a 16-year-old during a flight from Tampa, Florida, to Providence in November 2025. Brugman is scheduled to be sentenced on January 21, 2027.