Netanyahu's ex-driver convicted of hundreds of sex crimes against minors

Jerusalem court convicts PM's former employee of hundreds of counts of crimes, committed mostly against his relatives, during a 21-year period.

By YONAH JEREMY BOB
Updated: SEPTEMBER 14, 2016 01:07
Gavel [Illustrative] (photo credit: INIMAGE)
Gavel [Illustrative]
(photo credit: INIMAGE)
The Jerusalem District Court convicted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s former driver on Sunday for multiple sexual assaults and rapes of six minors, mostly his relatives, over 21 years.
According to the 2014 indictment against Ilan Shmuel, 51, of Zecharya, he allegedly raped or sexually assaulted several female relatives from 1988-2006, and from 2007-2009 he allegedly assaulted a friend of his daughter’s who was only nine years old at the time. As the victims were minors, their names are under a gag order.
The indictment accuses Shmuel of raping one family member, B.B., 12, dozens of times starting in 1988 at her grandparent’s home. It charges him with forcing her to learn a variety of sexual skills, while assuring her that men she had sexual relations with later in life would appreciate that she was “already experienced.”
From 1991-1995, Shmuel is accused of sexually assaulting C.C., a relative who at the time was aged 11, dozens of times at her house.
In 1996, Shmuel is accused of sexually assaulting family member D.D., nine, numerous times both at his home and in his car.
From 2004-2006, Shmuel allegedly assaulted E.E., a family member aged 11, numerous times at his home.
With many of the minors, the indictment states, Shmuel told them it would be their “special secret” and not to tell anyone.
Shmuel was Netanyahu’s driver until 2011, when he was removed from the post after it was discovered that he was being investigated for sex crimes. The Prime Minister’s Office said that once they were told about the allegations a month ago, they reported the matter to the authorities and Shmuel was placed on leave.
Ben Hartman contributed to this report.