I suspect Nicole Robinson's lack of medical documentation for her charges of police brutality, her constantly shifting story and the lack of support she garnered outside the haredi community (Robinson is not Jewish), influenced Rabbi Bursztyn decision to admit his guilt rather than go to trial.
Haredim, including Rabbi Yudel Shain, claim there were many unnamed "witnesses" to support Rabbi Bursztyn's claim of police brutality. They also claim the same for Nicole Robinson. Haredim also claim the police and city "refused" to interview said witnesses for Officer Menck's Internal Affairs hearing. Yet, somehow, when these many "witnesses" could have to testified (but under oath and with the risk of perjury) and supported the rabbi's claims, the rabbi pleads guilty and no "witnesses" testify.
The Asbury Park Press reports:
A rabbi, whose altercation with police earlier this year sparked protests in Lakewood's Orthodox Jewish community, has pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice in connection with the incident in Lakewood.
Rabbi Yosef Bursztyn, 63, of Sixth Street, Lakewood, pleaded guilty Tuesday to the disorderly persons offense before Superior Court Judge Edward J. Turnbach, who imposed $125 in fines, said Executive Assistant Prosecutor Ronald F. DeLigny. Bursztyn could have faced up to up to six months in jail and fine up to $1,000.
Bursztyn admitted he failed to comply with a directive of Lakewood Officer Erik Menck on June 26 while Menck was performing an official function, court documents said.
Police said Bursztyn reached inside Menck's patrol car after the officer had stopped the rabbi's niece for allegedly tailgaiting another vehicle.Bursztyn's arrest sparked protests in Lakewood's Orthodox community. Menck was cleared of any wrongdoing in the incident.
If you have not yet done so, read my earlier coverage of this incident, especially the Lakewood Shopper's "report" on the Robinson affair. This haredi-owned tabloid has been shameless in its attempts to whip up hatred for the Lakewood Police.
It should also be noted that yesterday's (failed) rally to garner support for Robinson outside the haredi community was conveniently scheduled for the day before Rabbi Bursztyn's court appearance. Now, why would that be?