Rhode Island Temple Sued for Abuse for Actions by Its Cantor
May 18, 2006
From: Timothy J. Conlon
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Download printable version of the press release (PDF)
Rhode Island Temple sued for abuse by its Cantor
Today, we filed a 22 page complaint in Providence Superior Court against
Temple Am David and convicted child molester and Jewish clergyman Cantor
Stanley Rosenfeld. The
lawsuit seeks damages for a boy Rosenfeld confessed to molesting during the course
of his religious education at Temple.
Rosenfeld was hired to train the boy for bar mitzvah, but used closed-door
sessions at the Temple as an opportunity to abuse him. Rosenfeld pleaded
no contest to 2 counts of child molestation, and later was incarcerated
for violating his probation with having contact with two other young boys.
He acknowledged other incidents of molestation in his past and that he
has "to constantly fight his desire for boys."
At the heart of the claims against the Temple is the allegation that other
Jewish synagogues had problems with Rosenfeld, but he was allowed to move
from one to another and offend again.
Rhode Island's Parole Board website lists Rosenfeld as one of only
22 "high risk offenders" in the state –
http://www.paroleboard.ri.gov/L3_offenders/listings.htm.
"We are familiar with the problem religious institutions have had
controlling child molesters who want to use a position of trust to abuse
children. The Jewish community needs to understand that this problem is
more widespread than anyone might like to think." said attorney Tim
Conlon, representing the family.
In 2002 this office handled nearly 40 cases against the Diocese of Providence.
A complete copy of the complaint and supporting documents can be obtained
by calling 272-6757.