NEW CITY – A non-jury trial has been set for a rabbi accused of molesting a young boy.
Rabbi Moshe Taubenfeld pleaded not guilty to molesting the 9-year-old over a five-year span. The boy had seen Taubenfeld for counseling after the Sept. 11 attacks.
Taubenfeld’s accuser, who spoke to News 12 using the name ‘Laiby,’ says members of the Hasidic community tried to pressure him and his family not to press charges.
The victim tells News 12’s Tara Rosenblum he plans on testifying.
The charges against the spiritual leader in New Square carry a maximum prison sentence of seven years.
The trial is expected to begin on Wednesday, July 15.