72-Year-Old Man Suspected of Sex Offenses Against Autistic Teen in Central Israel
Police arrested a 72-year-old man from central Israel on suspicion of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old boy on the autism spectrum. The suspect allegedly invited the teen to his home to look at jewelry, then kissed him, pulled down his pants, and committed sex offenses. The investigation began after a complaint accusing him of causing rape and indecent assault. Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court Judge Tzipora Giloni extended his detention by one day, finding that a reasonable suspicion existed.
According to police, the suspect admitted in questioning that he kissed the teenager and said he thought the boy was “into it,” but denied the other allegations. The police also asked the court to approve eight further investigative steps, including another special interview with the complainant and a psychiatric examination of the suspect. The prosecution said the case involved a complex interaction and that the suspect claimed the teen wanted a relationship with him, not because there was any sign of a psychiatric problem.
The suspect’s lawyer argued that his client’s rights had been seriously violated because, when he arrived at the police station, he was told he was only being questioned over indecent assault, while in fact he was also suspected of more serious offenses, including sex offenses against a minor and a person with a disability. He said that if he had known the full scope of the allegations, he would have advised his client differently. The defense also said the suspect, who is 72 and has no criminal record, could be released to house arrest and that there was no medical basis for a psychiatric evaluation.
Judge Giloni ruled that there is currently reasonable suspicion based on the complainant’s testimony, taken in a special investigation, the suspect’s version, and other evidence. She said there are grounds for detention because of danger and concern that the investigation could be obstructed. However, she granted the police request only in part, extending custody until the next day, ordering investigators to complete the vulnerable steps before the next hearing, and requiring that the suspect be warned about the relevant offenses. She rejected the psychiatric exam request, saying the file contains no indication of a mental-health issue.
