Opening Arguments Scheduled in Teaneck Rabbi Sex Abuse Case

Opening arguments in the trial of a 65-year-old Teaneck rabbi charged with molesting two teen boys at his home are set to begin early next month, NorthJersey.com reported.

Jury selection in the case began Tuesday in Hackensack, the report said.

Rabbi Uzi Rivlin was charged in 2011 with sexually abusing the two 13-year-old Israeli boys, who were staying with him as part of a scholarship program, authorities said. Prosecutors have said they will bring the boys to the United States to testify.

Rivlin met the boys through a program he partly sponsored for disadvantaged Israeli youth, Bergen County Prosecutor John L. Molinelli said after the arrest.

Both boys made the allegations separately to Israeli police, Molinelli said in 2011. Israeli officials alerted the FBI, who contacted Teaneck police and Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office investigators.

Defense attorney Howard Simmons has said his client is innocent and one of the alleged victims made false abuse allegations in the past against his own father. Rivlin pleaded not guilty in August 2011. 

Rivlin faces charges of aggravated sexual contact, criminal sexual contact and child endangerment.

Opening arguments are scheduled for June 3 at Superior Court in Hackensack.

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