New York Sex Crime Conviction of Rabbi Guilty of Molesting Daughter
In a story on March 11, 2009, Israel Weingarten, a Hasidic rabbi in New York, was found guilty by a jury in Brooklyn Federal Court of molesting his daughter for more than 7 years. Accompanied into the courtroom by US marshals, the victim sat down in the front row. Across from her were her six brothers and sisters between the ages of 13 to 23 who took their father’s side.
Weingarten defended himself but was found guilty on all counts of molestation. After being found guilty of transporting the victim to Israel, Belgium, and New York to commit sex crimes, he showed no feelings. He is due to be sentenced on April 3, 2009, by Judge John Gleeson and could face up to 50 years in prison.
Walking out of court, the victim was dressed in contemporary clothes, wore cosmetics, and was no longer a member of the Satmar sect. She was asked what it felt like to be cross-examined by her father for sex crimes in New York. She replied, “Like being molested again. He thought he still had power over me. I think it was cruel to do that to me. I wish he wasn’t my father. I’ve been waiting my whole life for this. I didn’t think the day would come when there would be justice, and I had to see it with my own eyes.”
Sister Yakev Weingarten, 18, said, “My sister? I didn’t look at her. She’s not even human.”
All sex crimes, either a felony or misdemeanors, are very serious charges and can carry life-changing consequences. If you or someone you know has been arrested for a sex crime in New York, you need advice from an experienced New York criminal defense lawyer. Protect your rights and your freedom.