Sex Offender Suspect Released From Custody Amid Ongoing Investigation
Erez Aviad Cohen, a 37-year-old man from Holon, suspected of sexual offenses against minors and impersonating a 12-year-old girl, has been released from police custody in Abu Kabir. The release came after investigators reviewed evidence and questioned Cohen on Monday, despite police claims made just the day before that suspicions against him had strengthened and new charges of obstruction of justice were added.
The police had argued in court on Sunday that Cohen, arrested on September 1, was suspected of deleting content from his mobile phone before handing it over to investigators. They also presented evidence that Cohen allegedly impersonated a 12-year-old girl since April, joining WhatsApp groups with girls under 10. Police described the online conversations as "solicitation, not coercion."
Cohen was initially arrested on suspicion of repeated sexual harassment and indecent acts against minors, with police stating they had evidence from four complainants aged 9 to 12. A laptop and mobile phone were seized from his home. Cohen provided the password for the laptop.
Cohen's defense attorney, Omer Adiri, previously stated that Cohen has no prior criminal record, has lived with his partner for 1.5 years, and has undergone rehabilitation. He also alleged that investigators called his client a "pedophile," after which Cohen exercised his right to remain silent.
Cohen was released under restrictive conditions, including a prohibition on contacting those involved in the case and a requirement to report for questioning as needed. The investigation is ongoing, with police continuing to examine collected materials and emerging suspicions.
