A Maryland religious worker has been arrested on sex crimes allegations after apparently possessing inappropriate images of children in his Baltimore home. The man, who was employed by a local synagogue, was arrested after an investigation determined that distribution of child pornography may have occurred from the man’s home. The 44-year-old defendant was arrested on June 12.
Authorities say that the employee of Ner-Tamid synagogue had worked at the facility doing odd jobs, and he also attended worship services there. The man’s computers were allegedly found with child pornography images, though it appears that none of the children from the synagogue were affected. Further, it does not appear that the man had any kind of contact with the children in the images. Investigators say they are still evaluating the man’s electronic storage devices, so additional charges may be forthcoming in the case.
Representatives from the synagogue and school say the organization is working closely with police officers. The defendant has been banned from the premises pending the outcome of the investigation. Further, the school is taking measures to provide training to teachers and families about potential Internet sex crimes dangers.
The defendant in this case is charged with the distribution of child pornography; a simple arrest does not mean, however, that he is automatically considered guilty of the crime. The man has the right to a fair legal proceeding, and he also deserves the opportunity to clear his name after being charged with such Internet sex crimes. The man is currently awaiting further action in criminal court, as he was released on $75,000 bail shortly after his arrest.
Source: WBAL TV 11, “Synagogue worker arrested on child pornography charges” Katie Lange, Jun. 19, 2014