Rishon LeZion Deputy Mayor Suspected of Sex Offenses: 'The Complaint Against Me Is Employee Revenge' | His Version
The Rishon LeZion Magistrate's Court extended by five days the detention of the deputy mayor, suspected of sex offenses against a municipal employee. The police requested eight days, but Judge Israel Pat ruled five. The suspect denies the allegations and claims they are a revenge plot by employees. Police are investigating suspicions of two incidents and believe the affair is broader.
The Rishon LeZion Magistrate's Court today (Thursday) extended by five days, until August 10, the detention of the deputy mayor of Rishon LeZion, suspected of sex offenses against a municipal employee. The police requested an eight-day extension, but Judge Israel Pat ruled that five days suffice at this stage. In his decision, he wrote that "the suspect has grounds for detention due to dangerousness, which intensifies given the investigations already conducted in the case," and added that there is also a real concern of obstructing the investigation. The suspect is attributed offenses of penetration of a woman without free consent, indecent act without free consent, and penetration of a woman over 18 while exploiting authority in employment relations. The investigation began after a complaint was received on August 2 from a municipal employee. Police suspect two separate incidents and believe the affair is broader, with the possibility of additional victims. The suspect rejects all suspicions and claims this is a revenge plot by municipal employees, after he acted against the phenomenon of false attendance reports. He said he himself filed a complaint about threats and harassment. His attorneys opposed publishing his name, citing harm to the presumption of innocence. Police seek to allow publication of his name to locate additional victims.