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In a recent turn of events, a former New York drug dealer whose 10-year federal sentence was commuted by former President Donald Trump in 2021 has been arrested on domestic violence and assault charges. Court documents reveal that Jonathan Braun, 41, now faces charges in Nassau County Court on Long Island for physically assaulting his 75-year-old father-in-law and his wife.
On Tuesday, authorities allege Braun punched his father-in-law twice in the face as the older man tried to defend his daughter. Braun also allegedly pushed his wife out of bed on July 17, causing serious injuries to her legs, and on Aug. 12 he is accused of repeatedly hitting her in the head after knocking her to the floor.
Braun also faces charges in Nassau County District Court for petty theft related to the failure to pay approximately $160 in bridge tolls. He allegedly drove over various bridges 40 times in luxury vehicles, including a Lamborghini and a Ferrari, neither of which had visible license plates.
During a preliminary hearing Wednesday, Braun pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree assault of an elderly person, two counts of third-degree assault and one count of theft. Although the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office recommended a $35,000 bond, he was released without bail and protective orders were issued for the victims involved.
Earlier in February, a Manhattan federal court judge ordered Braun to pay a $20 million fine in a civil lawsuit alleging predatory lending, in which emails indicated his active and ruthless participation in illegal activities.
Marc Fernich, Braun’s attorney, confirmed the arrest in connection with the domestic violence charges, noting that Braun has pleaded not guilty and has been released on parole pending further court proceedings.
The arrest comes amid political commentary: Donald Trump’s spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt has highlighted Trump’s stance on criminal justice, contrasting it with the stances of Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris on bail reform.
Braun’s early release was controversially influenced by his family’s ties to Jared Kushner, a senior Trump administration aide, despite ongoing negotiations for a cooperation agreement with prosecutors at the time. His ongoing legal troubles could potentially lead to a return to federal prison if he is found in violation of the terms of his probation related to his previous felony convictions for marijuana trafficking and money laundering.
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