Man Arrested for Sexually Contacting Minors Online, Court Extends Detention

A Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court on Wednesday extended the arrest of Erez Cohen, a 37-year-old resident of Holon, for five days. Cohen is suspected of making sexual contact with girls aged 9 to 12 online. Four girls have already been questioned as part of the investigation, and police believe there may be additional victims.

A search of Cohen's home yielded a laptop, and his mobile phone was later confiscated. The judge, Ra'anan Baruch, found reasonable suspicion against Cohen for the alleged offenses after reviewing the investigation file. The court noted that Cohen is suspected of contacting four minors, aged between 9 and 12, with sexual intent.

The judge stated that Cohen could be linked to the offenses at this stage and that "there are likely additional victims who have not yet been investigated." He emphasized the "great danger to public safety, especially children" posed by the alleged actions and the risk of evidence tampering, given the use of a computer and phone and the possibility of more victims.

Cohen's lawyer, Omer Adiri, criticized the investigation, claiming the specific accusations were not presented to his client. Adiri stated that investigators called Cohen a "pedophile" during questioning, after which Cohen exercised his right to remain silent. The lawyer argued that since the devices are already in police custody, Cohen cannot tamper with evidence and proposed releasing him to house arrest with internet restrictions.

Cohen's legal team, including lawyers Omer Adiri and Isabel Fox, issued a statement asserting their client's innocence. They noted the investigation is in its early stages and the nature of the suspicions is unclear. They added that Cohen is cooperating fully, providing passwords and devices, and expressed confidence that the investigation will clarify the situation and refute the suspicions.