Rabbi Moshe Menachem Taubenfeld, a New Square teacher who is the father of 20 children, is charged with repeatedly sexually abusing a young boy over a five-year period of time. Earlier this month, Taubenfeld turned down a plea deal offered by prosecutors and will fight the abuse charge at trial.
Above: Rabbi Moshe Menachem Taubenfeld
New Square Rabbi Charged With Felony Child Sex Abuse Rejects Plea Deal
Shmarya Rosenberg • FailedMessiah.com
Rabbi Moshe Menachem Taubenfeld, a New Square teacher who is the father of 20 children, is charged with repeatedly sexually abusing a young boy over a five-year period of time. Earlier this month, Taubenfeld turned down a plea deal offered by prosecutors and will fight the abuse charge at trial, the Journal News reported.
The alleged victim, also from the hasidic village of New Square, was only 8-years old when the alleged abuse began in 2001.
The 55-year-old Taubenfeld pleaded not guilty on July 8 to one count of second-degree course of sexual conduct against a child, a felony which can bring as much as 7 years in prison.
Prosecutor Jennifer Parietti, who heads the Rockland County DA’s Special Victims Unit, told the Journal News that Taubenfeld was offered a deal that included some time to be served in state prison.
Taubenfeld reportedly also uses the name Mendel Zarkowsky and actually votes under that name.
The alleged victim says he reported the abuse to the Skvere Rebbe, Rabbi David Twersky (who runs New Square as if it were his own personal kingdom) and other New Square hasidic community leaders – all of whom allegedly ordered him and his family not to report the abuse to police and threatened retribution if they disobeyed.
In 2013, Taubenfeld's brother Herschel pleaded guilty to forcible touching, a misdemeanor. He was originally charged with 10 counts each of forcible touching, endangering the welfare of a child, and 3rd degree sexual assault – all misdemeanors. He was sentenced to six years probation for that lone forcible touching charge.
Rabbi Moshe Menachem Taubenfeld’s trial is scheduled to begin with jury selection on September 15.
Related:
All Taubenfeld Brothers Posts.
[Hat Tip: Devorah.]