Fundraiser for Williamsburg Man Draws Outrage

WABC
May 17, 2012

http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news/local/new_york&id=8662864

[with video]

WILLIAMSBURG (WABC) -- A controversial fundraiser for a man in Brooklyn who is accused of molesting a teenage girl is fueling outrage on the streets of Williamsburg.

At the center of the storm is Nechemya Weberman, a member of Brooklyn's Orthodox Satmar community. He was charged last year with sexually abusing a teenage girl.

Hundreds of people came out to support Weberman's defense fund Thursday night, and three people were arrested. Only about 100 people turned out to support the victim.

The victim said the abuse took place in Weberman's apartment after he was hired by the girl's family to counsel her when she was 12.

Weberman could not be reached to discuss the case. His attorney insists the allegations are a fabrication, saying Weberman has enormous support in the community.

A close adult relative of the accuser said the community support for Weberman is appalling.

"It's disgusting," she said. "And it is unbelievable what people are willing to cover up. They really don't know the truth".