New Haven Rabbi Charged with Sex Assault Has "Not Guilty" Pleas Entered

By Randall Beach
New Haven Register
August 29, 2017

http://www.nhregister.com/connecticut/article/New-Haven-rabbi-charged-with-sex-assault-has-not-12158847.php

Rabbi Daniel Greer is photographed leaving Superior Court in New Haven Tuesday after not guilty pleas were entered to charges of second-degree sexual assault and risk of injury to a minor

Not guilty pleas to charges of second-degree sexual assault and risk of injury to a child were entered on behalf of Rabbi Daniel Greer Tuesday in Superior Court.

Greer, attired in a black suit, red tie and yarmulke, stood alongside his attorney, William Dow III, as Superior Court Judge Patrick J. Clifford entered the pleas on Greer’s behalf as well as Greer’s request for a jury trial.

Greer, 77, of West Park Avenue, was making his first appearance in the Part A courthouse, where more serious charges are handled. His case was transferred from the other New Haven courthouse on Aug. 14.

Greer’s accuser is Eliyahu Mirlis, now 29, who alleges abuse occurred between 2002 and 2005. According to the police warrant affidavit, Greer allegedly committed the sexual acts at the Yeshiva of New Haven/the Gan School, where Greer was then dean. Mirlis was a high schooler at that time. The New Haven Register does not usually identify alleged victims of sexual assault, but Mirlis has said he wanted to come forward with the allegations and have his name used.

Some of the alleged attacks purportedly also occurred at hotels, motels and Greer’s home. According to the warrant, shortly before the alleged sexual acts, Greer gave Mirlis alcoholic beverages such as Bloody Marys, scotch or wine. Greer also allegedly forced Mirlis to watch pornography.

In May a federal jury awarded Mirlis $15 million in damages in his civil lawsuit after Mirlis testified that Greer repeatedly sexually abused him over a period of several years. Greer’s attorneys are appealing the jury’s decision.

Mirlis has said the alleged abuse caused him to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, humiliation, depression and an inability to maintain emotional relationships.

Greer’s attorney, David Grudberg, said in his appeal that Mirlis provided too little evidence of actual sexual abuse and relied on non-credible testimony about post-traumatic stress disorder to prove his case.

Greer, who also is a real estate developer, helped lead a movement to revitalize the city’s Edgewood neighborhood.

As Greer left the courtroom Tuesday morning following the brief court session, he did not speak when a reporter asked him whether he had any comment.

Dow, walking beside Greer, said, “We will address the charges in court.”

Greer is free on a $100,000 bond.

Call Randall Beach at 203-680-9345.

Contact: rbeach@nhregister.com