Man indicted on two rape counts following paid sexual encounter in Bat Yam

A 41-year-old man, Michael Shein of Holon, was indicted on two counts of rape, theft, threats, and obstruction of justice after a paid sexual encounter at a Bat Yam motel. The indictment alleges he assaulted and raped the woman after the consensual act, stole NIS 4,000 from her wallet, and threatened her friend with a club. Shein denied the charges. His mother cited mental health issues.

A 41-year-old man, Michael Shein of Holon, was indicted on Sunday on two counts of rape, theft, making threats, and obstruction of justice following a paid sexual encounter at a motel in Bat Yam. The indictment, filed by the State Attorney's Office in the Tel Aviv District Court, alleges that after the consensual act, Shein violently grabbed the victim, pinned her to the bed, and raped her by vaginal and oral penetration without her consent. He also stole NIS 4,000 from her wallet and threatened her friend, identified as 'B', with a club when she arrived to help. Shein denied the allegations during police questioning. The prosecution argued that the victim's work as a sex worker placed her in a vulnerable position, which Shein exploited. Shein's mother told the court he suffers from depression and bipolar disorder, which recently worsened. The judge ordered a psychiatric assessment. Each rape count carries a maximum sentence of 16 years.