A former Westfield man accused of repeatedly groping a woman during a Pioneer Valley Transit Authority bus ride was sentenced to two years of probation this week, with conditions that require him to leave Massachusetts entirely and move in with an out-of-state relative. Jonathan C. Houston, 25, was charged with five counts of indecent assault and battery after the woman told police he touched her five separate times during the ride.
Charges Resolved Through Plea Deal
District Court Judge Tina Cafaro handed down the sentence, according to MassLive. Houston agreed that sufficient facts supported a finding of guilt, while the three remaining counts were continued without a finding, the outlet reported. Separately, prosecutors asked the court to accept a nolle prosequi — meaning the state would decline to prosecute — on two of the five charges Houston originally faced, though it is not clear from the available record whether that request was granted.
Assistant District Attorney Meghan Tessitore had written that the Commonwealth would dismiss two of the counts in consideration of Houston tendering a plea on the remaining three, per the same report. Houston formerly lived in Westfield and was living with a relative out of state at the time of his arrest, which came after the alleged victim reported the assaults.
What the Woman Told Police
According to a statement of facts filed by police detective Jared Rowe, the woman said Houston touched her twice on her thigh and twice on her breast, and at one point laid his head on her breast. She described the contact as unwanted touching that was sexual in nature, the detective's report states. The alleged assaults took place over a period of 16 minutes, per Rowe's account relayed by the station.
The woman identified Houston both in a photo array and in video recorded by the bus's security camera, according to the officer's report cited by the outlet. An officer's report also noted that Houston was seen drinking alcohol on the bus at the time.
Probation Terms and Prior Case
Houston's probation conditions include staying away from the victim, undergoing evaluation for mental health and substance abuse issues, and following any court-ordered treatment, the station's report notes. He is also required to remain free of illegal drugs and alcohol and to find employment, while living with a family member out of state rather than returning to Westfield.
A Westfield District Court daily list filed with the Massachusetts court system, dated Wednesday, November 4, 2026, shows case number 2644CR000223 with an event listed as “Probation Until” at 9 a.m., though the public entry does not identify the party involved in that proceeding.
