Gershom Barros is a close friend of Agudath Israel of America’s spokesman, Rabbi Avi Shafran. Shafran’s book on the conversion process, Migrant Soul, is largely based on Barros’ life. Barros' son-in-law, Neal Gerstman, was also arrested.
2 Haredim Busted For Drug Trafficking
Shmarya Rosenberg • FailedMessiah.com
A haredi man and his son-in-law were arrested were arrested on drug distribution charges Friday by the Rhode Island State Police High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area task force, the Providence Journal reported.
Police executed a search warrant at the home of Gershom Barros at 423 Wayland Avenue in Providence and reportedly seized 100 grams of crystal meth and about 2 grams of crack cocaine.
The 62-year-old Barros was reportedly charged with possession with intent to deliver crystal meth, two counts of delivery to an undercover police officer and possession of crack cocaine.
His son-in-law Neal Gerstman, a 23-year-old kollel student who works in a funeral home, was also arrested. Gerstman was charged with possession with intent to deliver crystal meth.
Barros is being held without bail until a June 4 court hearing.
Gerstman reportedly posted $30,000 surety bail.
Barros is a close friend of Agudath Israel of America’s spokesman, Rabbi Avi Shafran.
Shafran’s book on the conversion process, Migrant Soul, is largely based on Barros’ life.
Barros was the gabbai (religious manager) of the haredi prayer group at the Providence Hebrew Day School and also held other leadership positions there and at the affiliated .
He is also the director and vice president of the Chevra Kadisha of Rhode Island.