Parker Waichman LLP

Brooklyn DA Cracks Down on Sex Offenders in Orthodox Jewish Community

In a major departure from previous policy, Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes has made public the names of those convicted of sexual assaults in the Orthodox Jewish community. The DA’s office has convicted 45 men and one woman in sex-attack cases in the Orthodox Jewish community in the past four years, and the names of […]

crack_down_orthodox_jewish_sex_offendersIn a major departure from previous policy, Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes has made public the names of those convicted of sexual assaults in the Orthodox Jewish community.

The DA’s office has convicted 45 men and one woman in sex-attack cases in the Orthodox Jewish community in the past four years, and the names of the offenders, except for juveniles, have been given to the New York Post, the Jewish Voice reports. Previously, Hynes had asserted that publicizing sex offender’s names could expose victims to intimidation or deter others from coming forward.  A spokesperson from Hynes’s office said, “We feel now it’s good for the community to know those who have been convicted.”

Under a program called Kol Tzedek, Hebrew for “voice of justice,” 118 cases have been brought and 25 sex offenders have received jail time.  The longest sentence went to Nechemya Weberman, an unlicensed therapist who was sentenced to 103 years for abusing a girl he was counseling starting when she was 12, according to the Jewish Voice.

Officials in the district attorney’s office say many victims from the Orthodox community still fear being ostracized for reporting a rapist or child molester from within their religious community, according to the Jewish Voice. A number of cases have been dismissed or charges downgraded because victims backed out or parents refused to let their children testify. Religious authorities in the ultra-Orthodox community strongly discourage members of their community from taking physical and sexual abuse complaints to secular authorities. Prosecution of such allegations has sometimes been hampered by witness intimidation. Before the Weberman trial began, Hynes brought charges against four men who allegedly attempted to interfere with the case through bribery and threats, according to the Huffington Post. 

Prosecutors believe victims have gained courage since offenders like Weberman have been put in prison.

 

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Tina Morace was instrumental in my effort to receive the maxium compensation for my WTC claim. I can only express my deepest appreciation for her professional guidance and constant support ! She is truly an asset to the firm.
Thomas Larner
a year ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism I was pleased with how they handled my case from beginning to end. They were also very good with providing information and returning calls.
Daisy Figueroa
2 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Parker Waichman did a fine job with my case. In particular, my paralegal Christina Morace was fantastic, always helpful , communicative and supportive.
Jonathan Steinberg
3 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038