After police investigation, file submitted to J'lem District Prosecutors; decision to press charges comes six months later.
By JPOST.COM STAFFRabbi Mordechai Elon 311(photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski )
Jerusalem District prosecutors on Thursday said that following an investigation, it has decided to bring former Yeshivat Hakotel head Rabbi Mordechai Elon to trial for sex crimes against two of his underage students during the years 2003 and 2005.Before filing charges, Elon will be given an opportunity to argue why he should not be charged.RELATED:'Elon had sex with male students'The decision was authorized by Attorney-General Yehuda Weinstein with the recommendation of the state prosecutor.Police finished their investigation into Rabbi Mordechai "Moti" Elon in August of last year. Elon was accused of child molestation several months ago, and police found that there was sufficient evidence to connect him to the allegations.Elon's attorney, Yair Golan, rejected the accusations, saying "a complete review will clarify that Rabbi Elon did not commit any crime, and ultimately will not be indicted. The rabbi will continue to fight for the truth and his good name."The police submitted the case file to the Jerusalem District Prosecutor's office in August. Evidence was found alleging Elon committed indecent acts with two minors, one of them by force.Police had recently reopened the investigations after a former student of the charismatic rabbi accused him of sexual abuse.Ben Hartman contributed to this report.
