On Wednesday November 12, DC Rabbi Barry Freundel appeared in court for a hearing regarding allegations that he spied on female congregants at his Georgetown synagogue, Kesher Israel. The prominent religious leader – who has been charged with six counts of voyeurism for allegedly using hidden cameras to secretly record women who used the synagogue’s ritual bath (mikvah) – may have the possibility of reaching a plea deal with prosecutors. He is scheduled to appear for another hearing on January 16.
Wednesday’s hearing and news of the possible plea deal angered many in the community. As detailed in recent news segments aired on WUSA9 and Fox5, others are also angry that Freundel has only been criminally charged for violating the rights of six possible victims. One witness alleged that there may be as many as 1,000 other victims who were spied on at the synagogue, as well as possible victims from two local universities, including Towson University where Freundel taught religious studies. Officials have stated that they have created a government website to provide more information and encourage other victims to step forward.
Partners Ira Sherman and Joseph Cammarata were also in attendance at Wednesday’s hearing, having been retained by a possible victim of Freundel . Both Partner Sherman and Partner Cammarata were interviewed after the hearing by WUSA9 and Fox5. You can view the segments below:
As committed members of the DC community, Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. has been closely following Freundel’s case. Our attorneys are also offering our support and services to anyone who may have been victimized by Rabbi Freundel. Any victims – including local university students who participated in the mikvah ritual bath at the request of Freundel – may be able to seek compensation for invasion of privacy.
You can learn more about your legal rights and how our lawyers can help by contacting our firm for a free case evaluation or visiting our invasion of privacy page.