Jonathan Braun, a convicted drug dealer who had his prison sentence commuted by Donald Trump, was sent back to federal prison on Monday after violating the terms of his release. Braun, accused of multiple new offenses including assault, threats, and evading tolls, was sentenced to 27 months behind bars by a Brooklyn federal judge, despite prosecutors seeking a longer term to protect the public.
Braun’s New Offenses
Braun faced charges for assaulting a hospital nurse with an IV pole, threatening to kill her, screaming at a synagogue member, groping his family’s nanny, and evading bridge tolls. These alleged crimes prompted federal authorities to revoke his clemency and return him to prison, highlighting ongoing concerns about his behavior and public safety risks.
Sentencing and Judge’s Remarks
Brooklyn federal judge Kiyo Matsumoto sentenced Braun to 27 months, emphasizing her hope that his expressions of remorse and pledges to live law-abidingly were sincere. She reminded Braun, “Don’t squander it,” while acknowledging that many of those he harmed have since forgiven him.
Prosecutors Push for Maximum Term
Prosecutors had recommended a five-year sentence, the maximum allowed for the violations, arguing that Braun’s conduct posed a serious danger to the public. In court filings, they wrote: “The defendant’s brazen and violent conduct caused fear and terror in his victims,” underscoring the need for a lengthy prison term to prevent further offenses.
Time Served and Sentence Details
Braun has been in federal custody in Brooklyn since his arrest in April for breaching his release conditions. That time will be credited toward his new 27-month sentence. Despite his prior commutation, the rest of Braun’s original 2019 sentence remained intact, including fines and requirements to stay out of trouble.
Background on Original Conviction
Braun was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison in 2019 after pleading guilty to drug-related charges. He served approximately one year before Donald Trump commuted his sentence in January 2021 during the final days of his first term. At that time, Braun’s release included conditions meant to ensure he remained law-abiding.
Public Safety Concerns
Braun’s re-arrest and sentencing highlight risks associated with clemency recipients committing new offenses. Prosecutors and law enforcement emphasized the impact of his violent and disruptive actions on the victims and the broader community, illustrating the potential consequences of violating release terms.
Clemency and Controversy
The case also underscores the ongoing debate over Trump-era clemencies and their consequences. Braun’s violations may feed criticism of commutations granted without long-term monitoring, raising questions about how authorities assess risks before granting early release to federal inmates.