BishopAccountability.org
	Court Convicts Rabbi Jacob A. Max of Molestation By Phil Jacobs Baltimore Jewish Times April 13, 2009 http://www.jewishtimes.com/index.php/jewishtimes/news/jt/local_news/court_convicts_rabbi_jacob_a._max_of_molestation/11773 Rabbi Jacob Aaron Max, was found guilty Monday of sex offense in the fourth degree and second degree assault for the molestation of a former Sol Levinson & Bros. Funeral Home female employee in December 2008. The verdict given by Baltimore County District Court Judge Nancy Purpura resulted in one year of incarceration suspended and one year of unsupervised probation. Rabbi Max's legal representation said the long-time spiritual leader will appeal the verdict. Rabbi Max, 85, is the rabbi emeritus of the Moses Montefiore Anshe Emunah Hebrew Congregation, better known as Pikesville's Liberty Jewish Center. A polished stone in the congregation's parking lot designates it the Rabbi Jacob A. Max campus. He is a well-known figure in Baltimore Jewish circles, where he has been active for more than six decades. The fourth degree sex offense means that the "defendant had sexual contact with the victim and that the sexual contact was made against the will and consent of the victim," according to County Asst. State's Attorney Jared Green, who prosecuted the case. The victim, 44, was molested at the Levinson's Funeral Home in Pikesville. Rabbi Max entered a not-guilty plea. "We're disappointed with the outcome," said defense counsel David Irwin. "We respect the judge's decision, and we're going to appeal." If that occurs, the case could be heard in County Circuit Court, and the trial would start from scratch, and could involve a jury. Ira Levinson, president of Levinson's called the issue "a personal matter between Rabbi Max and the former employee, and we're not involved." Rabbi Max is not an employee of Levinson's. However, like any other rabbi performing funeral services there, he is seen as an independent contractor. Kathleen Cahill, the victim's attorney, said that her client could not yet comment. However, in her victim impact statement to the court, which was read into the court transcripts, the victim had a great deal to say. "I feel helpless, I am worried about finding another job. I have lost sleep, I am angry about what you did to me. I have a lack of trust in others, depression, anxiety, isolation, fears about future employment, fears about financial stability, lack of focus. I feel emotionally hurt, depleted and violated. "I don't know how you can live with yourself knowing that you lied about what you did to me," she continued. "You violated the trust that I had in you by physically violating me that day and by lying about what you did to save your reputation. You are a disgrace to all clergy, co-workers, your community and to your family and friends. I hope you have a difficult time ever looking someone in the eye again and that you will know that people will look at you with disgust. They will know that you are a liar and that you will go to your grave knowing that you intentionally caused someone physical, emotional, spiritual and financial pain. You are supposed to be a man of God and I hope that one day you will apologize for what you have done."
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