Brooklyn’s infamous Hasidic convicted pedophile was on the verge of release during Tuesday’s unsettling hearing. He feigned amnesia concerning the details of his offenses, causing prosecutors to change their initial course and request more time.
Nechemia Weberman’s prison sentence was reduced from 103 years to 18 years, but after completing his time, he’ll only serve five additional years. If he behaves well, he could be out as early as 2028.
“Mr. Weberman’s outrageous conduct in court today shows why he’s still a threat to society,” stated Salina Townsend, the attorney representing his 12-year-old victim. “His persistent denials and avoidance of accountability demonstrate that his claims of rehabilitation and remorse are disingenuous.”
Weberman, now in his 60s and a former counselor at a Williamsburg yeshiva, appeared surprisingly upbeat during a video feed from Shawangunk Prison in upstate New York, even while his supporters depicted him as a fragile man nearing death.
He faced 59 charges and had originally been sentenced to 103 years in prison 13 years ago for repeatedly sexually abusing Rivky Deutsch over a three-year span.
Under increasing pressure from parts of the convict’s religious community, the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office was poised to advocate for his release, claiming his previous sentence was excessive and he had served ample time.
However, Brooklyn Assistant District Attorney Joseph Alexis shifted strategy during the hearing, asserting that Weberman had supposedly forgotten crucial aspects of his crimes.
Weberman has spent years in denial, recently reading a statement professing his “change,” expressing remorse, and issuing apologies.
Alexis insisted on specific accounts of Weberman’s criminal actions, provoking a series of “I don’t remember” responses from him regarding details, including whether he recalled forcing oral sex on his young victim. “It troubles me that Mr. Weberman can’t remember. Victims never forget,” Alexis remarked.
“Honestly, if the defendant had come prepared to court, I’d have the power to impose a 15-year sentence,” he said, although that would have meant Weberman’s potential release.
Deutsch, who is usually quiet, shared his statement with the judge, stating, “His arrogant expression was the most painful.”
Judge Matthew Demick’s updated sentence grants Weberman an additional five years to contemplate his actions, yet he might be eligible for release in half that time with good conduct. The judge remarked, “An altered sentence of 18 years remains substantial.” Weberman has been contesting his conviction and may pursue further appeals regarding this new sentence.
Advocates for sexual abuse survivors labeled the revised ruling as sending a “dangerous” message to those within the Hasidic community. Asher Lovi, who leads the Orthodox Jewish victims’ group Zacah, remarked, “I came in expecting to allow Weberman to go free. And the only reason he didn’t is that he couldn’t answer the questions or show any genuine remorse.”
