Defendant Israel Weingarten Facing Maximum Sentence of 50 Years in Prison

Benton J. Campbell, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced that a federal jury in Brooklyn returned a verdict this afternoon convicting Israel Weingarten of Monsey, New York, of five counts of transporting his daughter in foreign commerce for the purpose of sexually abusing her during the spring and summer of 1997. The convictions followed a week-long trial in which the defendant represented himself. When sentenced by United States District Judge John Gleeson on April 3, 2009, Weingarten will face a maximum sentence of 50 years’ imprisonment.

“Today’s verdict is an important vindication for victims who have the courage not only to survive the ordeal of sexual abuse, but to come forward, despite outside pressure and hostility, to see that justice is served,” stated United States Attorney Campbell. “We are grateful to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for its commitment and unwavering efforts in the investigation and prosecution of this case, and to the United States Marshals Service for its assistance during the trial.

The government’s case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Andrea Goldbarg and Rachel Nash.

The Defendant:

SRAEL WEINGARTEN
Age: 59

---