NEWS • Press Releases

D.A. Bragg Announces Indictment Of Jonathan Bean For Sexually Abusing, Patronizing 16-Year-Old Boy

January 13, 2026

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the indictment of JONATHAN BEAN, a/k/a JONATHAN RUSSELL, 62, for the repeated sexual abuse of a 16-year-old boy who he patronized for prostitution between May 15, 2024, and July 31, 2024. BEAN is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with 11 counts of Criminal Sexual Act in the Third Degree, 11 counts of Aggravated Patronizing of a Minor for Prostitution in the Third Degree, and 2 counts of Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree. [1]

“My office’s Human Trafficking Unit investigates not only sex traffickers but also those who pay to sexually abuse children,” said District Attorney Bragg. “The Unit is fully equipped to support young survivors, with dedicated prosecutors and investigators working alongside specially trained social workers. Please call us at 212-335-3400.”

As alleged in court documents and statements made on the record in court, BEAN sent the 16-year-old boy more than 200 sexually explicit text messages arranging to meet and discussing prices for sexual activities. On at least six separate occasions, BEAN engaged in sexual conduct with the child in Manhattans.

Assistant D.A. Katherine Sullivan is handling the prosecution of this case under the supervision of Assistant D.A.s Courtney Razner (Deputy Chief of the Human Trafficking Unit) and Jonathon Junig (Chief of the Human Trafficking Unit), and Executive Assistant D.A. Justin McNabney (Chief of the Special Victims Division). Investigators Sean Ryan and Ariela DaSilva, Investigative Analyst Jaden Bharara, and Human Trafficking Clinical Director Melissa Martinez provided valuable assistance with the investigation. 

 

Defendant Information

JONATHAN BEAN, a/k/a JONATHAN RUSSELL

New York, NY

Charges:

  • Criminal Sexual Act in the Third Degree, a class E felony, 11 counts
  • Aggravated Patronizing of a Minor for Prostitution in the Third Degree, a class E felony, 11 Counts
  • Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree, a class B misdemeanor, 2 counts

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[1] The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All factual recitations are derived from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court.