Ramapo police arrested Shaul Spitzer after he left the Rockland County Courthouse following an appearance on felony charges of attempted murder, arson and assault. Police today accused Spitzer of standing outside Aron Rottenberg's Truman Avenue house on Oct. 4 at 3:15 p.m. in violation of a court order to stay away from family members, their home and business
New Square man accused in murder try arrested on charge of violating court order
Steve Lieberman • Journal News
NEW CITY — The 18-year-old New Square man charged with trying to murder a village dissident through an arson attempt was arrested this morning on a charge of violating a court order to stay away from the family.
Ramapo police arrested Shaul Spitzer after he left the Rockland County Courthouse following an appearance on felony charges of attempted murder, arson and assault.
Police today accused Spitzer of standing outside Aron Rottenberg's Truman Avenue house on Oct. 4 at 3:15 p.m. in violation of a court order to stay away from family members, their home and business, Ramapo police Detective Sgt. John Lynch said today.
Spitzer will be arraigned on the misdemeanor count of second-degree criminal contempt this afternoon in Ramapo Justice Court.
His lawyer, Kenneth Gribetz, could not be reached for comment.
Spitzer has pleaded not guilty to charges of arson and attempted murder based on accusations of trying to set Rottenberg's house in New Square on fire at 4:15 a.m. May 22.
That case was adjourned today until Jan. 11 for possible trial.
During a confrontation outside the house that May morning, police contend, one of Spitzer's incendiary devices exploded, burning Rottenberg over 50 percent of his body.
Rottenberg was hospitalized for months with third-degree burns, undergoing skin grafts and other medical procedures. Spitzer suffered severe burns to his hands and arms.
Rottenberg and others had been the target of street protests and vandalism last year for not praying in Grand Rabbi David Twersky's synagogue. Rottenberg led a contingent that prayed at the Friedwald Center on New Hempstead Road, less than a mile from New Square.
Spitzer lived in the grand rabbi's house and did butler-type work for the Hasidic Jewish leader.
There also are accusations being investigated that young men like Spitzer enforce the edicts of the grand rabbi and his inner circle, including ensuring social rules — like dress codes — and worshipping practices.
The Ramapo police have been investigating the vandalism against Rottenberg and any conspiracy to deny him and others their rights to practice their religion. The FBI has been monitoring the case.
[Hat Tips: 613 Enforcer, Seymour, Sherry.]