New York City Religious Leader Accused of Sexual Abuse

A 55-year-old Islamic leader in New York City has been accused of sexually abusing young girls at his mosque.

The individual, Tajul Islam, was taken into custody earlier this week after one of the victims approached the police to report the incident.

The allegations are said to have occurred at the Masjid Bilal Mosque in Jamaica between April 21 and Monday. The Queens Child Abuse Task Force apprehended Islam following the victim’s report.

He faces charges of sexual abuse, forcible touching, and endangering the welfare of a child.

According to a criminal complaint, on April 21, between 5:30 and 6 p.m., Islam allegedly approached a 10-year-old girl at the mosque, touching her breasts and groping her inner thighs. On April 27, around 6 p.m., he allegedly targeted another 10-year-old girl, repeating similar actions. The NYPD’s Queens Child Abuse Unit arrested him approximately four hours later.

At his arraignment on April 28, Islam pleaded not guilty before Judge Sharifa Nasser-Cuellar, who set bail at $25,000 cash and bond, and issued a temporary protective order.

Authorities are now seeking additional potential victims to come forward. It’s noted that Islam had no previous arrests on record.

This incident follows a recent case involving Wissam Shareef from Euless, Texas, who was convicted for engaging in a conspiracy related to the sexual exploitation of children. In February, he was sentenced to a lengthy prison term, which included significant financial penalties.