MO - Alleged Predator to Be Extradited for Trial

By David Clohessy
SNAP
November 15, 2012

http://www.snapnetwork.org/mo_alleged_predator_to_be_extradited_for_trial

A support group for victims of clergy abuse is applauding the upcoming extradition of an alleged predator who molested in St. Louis and was freed from prison earlier this year.

Last Thursday, a U.S. District Court sustained a motion to extradite David Kramer to Australia where he will stand trial for abuse between 1989 and 1993 that reportedly took place at Yeshivah College in Melbourne. Parents of kids at the school allege that school officials assisted in helping Kramer, who is a dual Israeli and American citizen, flee to the United States after allegations had been reported to school officials.

While in the St. Louis area, Kramer was a volunteer youth leader at Nusach Hari B’nai Zion, an Orthodox synagogue (their phone number is 314-991-2100).

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Leaders of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, are applauding the ruling and are grateful that this alleged predator will be made to stand trial; something that SNAP says is a rarity for perpetrators of childhood sexual abuse.

“Because church and school officials often cover-up child sex crimes, it’s very rare for a victim to be able to face their alleged perpetrator in criminal court,” said David Clohessy, SNAP Director. “We are happy for the victims in Australia and are grateful to the judge for this ruling. This is a win for victims everywhere.”

In 2007, Kramer was charged with sexual misconduct and sodomy in University City. Kramer pled guilty in 2008 and was sentenced to seven years in prison. He was represented by St. Loius attorney Matthew Chase, who can be reached at 314-854-9166.

“The fact that Kramer has abused kids here as well as overseas is frightening,” said Clohessy. “We wonder how many more victims of Kramer’s are out there suffering in silence.”

SNAP leaders are urging others who may have been abused by Kramer – here or overseas - to come forward and make a report to the police, and not to the school.

Clohessy said “We hope that victims and witnesses will be sure to go to the police first.”

“This is what corrupt officials and child predators are doing more and more: moving overseas to escape detection and prosecution,” said Barbara Dorris, SNAP’s outreach director.