Rabbi convicted of conspiracy to kidnap in forced divorces case
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Version 0 of 1. An Orthodox rabbi accused in New Jersey of using brutal tactics to force unwilling Jewish men to divorce their wives has been convicted of conspiracy to commit kidnapping. But a federal jury on Tuesday rendered a mixed verdict in the case, acquitting Mendel Epstein of attempted kidnapping. Epstein’s son was acquitted of conspiracy and kidnapping counts. Two other rabbis were convicted of conspiracy to commit kidnapping and attempted kidnapping. The jury reached its verdict after deliberating for nearly four days. Prosecutors said the rabbi’s team tortured the men into granting divorces and used brutal methods and tools including handcuffs and electric cattle prods. The defence acknowledged some crimes may have been committed but said Epstein was not part of a kidnapping conspiracy. |