New York - Brooklyn Rabbi Released on Bail After Extortion Scheme Uncovered

New York - In a major development, VIN News has confirmed that a Brooklyn rabbi who was sentenced to a 10 ½ to 32 year prison term for child molestation a year ago was released on $250,000 bail pending appeal and remain under house arrest, after it was determined that witnesses who had testified against him had been paid to falsely claim that they had been molested by 60 year old Rabbi Boruch Lebovits.
As was reported earlier on VIN News, Samuel Kellner, 49,was arraigned in Brooklyn Supreme Court for 10 counts of grand larceny, perjury and conspiracy that can land him behind bars for up to 21 years.

He pleaded not guilty and his lawyer Israel Fried described him as an advocate of sexual-abuse victims, which made him a lightening rod in the ultra-orthodox neighborhood.

“It seems reasonable that people in the community who are aware of him bringing people to justice will have a vendetta against my client,” he said.

Kellner allegedly attempted to extort $400,000 from Lebovitz after learning in 2008 that a young man had brought charges of sexual abuse against Rabbi Lebovits. 
When the family refused to pay, Kellner allegedly paid off witnesses to lie and claim that Lebovits had abused them as well, resulting in greater charges being brought against him.
Lebovits is expected to use these new developments to challenge his original conviction.

More details soon