NEW YORK — Jonathan Braun, a convicted drug dealer who received clemency from former President Donald Trump, was ordered back to federal prison on Monday after a series of violations that included violent outbursts and other criminal acts, marking a stark reversal for the Long Island man once freed from a lengthy sentence.
Braun, 41, appeared in a Brooklyn federal court where U.S. District Judge Kiyo Matsumoto sentenced him to 27 months behind bars. The decision came after Braun pleaded guilty to violating the terms of his supervised release, which stemmed from his 2019 conviction for smuggling massive quantities of marijuana across the U.S.-Canada border. Prosecutors had pushed for the maximum five-year term, citing Braun's 'brazen and violent conduct' that they said terrorized victims and posed a ongoing danger to the community.
During the hearing, Braun expressed deep remorse, apologizing to his victims and family members who had supported him through his struggles with substance abuse and mental health issues. 'I have no one to blame but me,' Braun told the court, acknowledging how his loved ones had tried to intervene before his behavior escalated. He also credited his recent detention with turning his life around, saying the seven months in a Brooklyn federal jail had 'saved my life' by helping him achieve sobriety.
Judge Matsumoto responded cautiously to Braun's statements, expressing hope that his 'expressions of remorse' and commitments to a 'law-abiding life' were genuine. She noted that several of those harmed by Braun had forgiven him, but warned, 'Don’t squander it.' The judge's comments highlighted a balance between accountability and recognition of Braun's personal challenges.
The case traces back to Braun's original conviction in 2019, when he pleaded guilty to drug-related charges as a high-ranking member of an international smuggling ring. Federal prosecutors at the time said the group had transported more than 100,000 kilograms — or about 220,460 pounds — of marijuana from Canada into the United States. Braun was initially sentenced to 10 years in prison but served only about a year before Trump commuted his sentence in January 2021, during the final days of his first term. While the commutation freed Braun, it left the remainder of his sentence intact, including a requirement to pay fines and avoid further legal trouble.
Prosecutors detailed a string of incidents that led to Braun's rearrest earlier this year. In January, according to court documents, Braun was at a Long Island hospital where he cursed at emergency department staff. He reportedly picked up an IV pole connected to his arm and swung it at a nurse who was trying to calm him, threatening to kill her in the process.
The following month, in February, Braun allegedly entered the bedroom of his children's live-in nanny, wrapped an arm around her upper body, and put her in a headlock before groping her breasts and making unwanted sexual advances. The nanny, who spoke through a statement read in court, said she was so distressed that she locked herself in a bathroom, called her husband, and had him contact the police. In her statement, she expressed gratitude that 'justice had been served,' noting she had lost her job and suffered 'deep emotional trauma' resulting in 'lasting trust issues.' The Associated Press does not name victims of alleged sexual abuse unless they choose to identify themselves publicly.
By March, another incident unfolded at a synagogue in their affluent Long Island community. Prosecutors said Braun grabbed and threatened a fellow worshipper, Edward Miller, who had asked him to quiet down during a service. After stepping away briefly, Braun allegedly got in Miller's face, squeezed his right arm tightly, and said, 'Do you know who I am?' and 'Do you know what I could have done to you?' Miller, speaking in court, described Braun's actions as part of a drug-fueled 'rampage' that left him 'freaking out all over the place.' Despite the ordeal, Miller advocated for leniency, calling Braun 'not a hardened criminal' but 'a sick man' whose condition would be better addressed in a professional treatment setting rather than prison.
Braun's troubles extended beyond these violent episodes. Last summer, police reported that he evaded bridge tolls at least 40 times while driving luxury cars, accumulating $160 in unpaid fees. Additionally, prosecutors accused him of failing to make payments toward his court-ordered fine, despite living in a multimillion-dollar home, owning high-end vehicles, and taking international vacations.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanya Hajjar argued forcefully for the maximum sentence, emphasizing that Braun had been given 'many, many chances' but continued to endanger others. 'This defendant has had many, many chances,' Hajjar said in court, pointing to the fear and terror inflicted on victims.
On the other side, Braun's federal public defender, Kathryn Wozencroft, pushed for his immediate release, highlighting steps he had taken toward rehabilitation while detained. She described his behavior as the result of 'a pretty significant psychiatric crisis' exacerbated by hallucinogenic drugs. Wozencroft noted that Braun had been meeting with a psychiatrist and consulting a rabbi twice a week, efforts she said demonstrated his commitment to rebuilding his life.
The hearing drew a mix of supporters and those affected by Braun's actions, underscoring the divided perspectives on his case. Family members attended, and some victims, like the nanny, participated remotely. Miller's testimony added a layer of complexity, suggesting that while Braun's actions were harmful, they stemmed from underlying health issues rather than inherent criminality.
Braun's return to prison raises questions about the implications of high-profile clemencies, particularly those granted in the waning days of a presidency. Trump's decision to commute Braun's sentence was part of a broader wave of pardons and commutations in January 2021, which included figures from various backgrounds. Critics at the time questioned the selections, but supporters argued they addressed overly harsh sentences in drug cases.
Looking ahead, Braun will serve his 27-month sentence, after which he may face continued supervision. Prosecutors indicated that his history of violations could influence future oversight, while his defense team expressed optimism about his path to recovery. The case serves as a reminder of the challenges in balancing mercy with public safety, especially for individuals with documented mental health and substance abuse struggles.
In the broader context of federal clemency, Braun's story highlights how commutations can offer second chances but also underscore the importance of compliance. As Judge Matsumoto put it, the opportunity now rests with Braun not to 'squander' the forgiveness extended by some and the lessons learned from his detention.