Rabbi Allegedly Used Funds to Hide Affair with Teen, SNAP Responds

SNAP
May 20, 2014

http://www.snapnetwork.org/

Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests ( 314-503-0003, SNAPdorris@gmail.com )

A Massachusetts rabbi is being investigated for allegedly using funds from congregants to keep his affair with a teenage boy secret. We are deeply disturbed by this news.

[Boston Globe]

No matter how this rabbi met this 16 year old, Starr was of course wrong to have any sexual contact whatsoever with this boy. It is always hurtful for an adult to sexually exploit a youngster, especially when the adult is a trusted religious figure.

As a trusted member of the community, Rabbi Barry Starr, betrayed the trust of his congregants by gravely misusing their donations and - more importantly - by allegedly sexually exploiting a teenager. No matter what the legal age of consent may be, there can never really be true consent between and adult and a child or between a religious leader and a congregant.

We urge Milton Jewish officials to reach out to anyone who saw, suspected, or suffered child sex crimes. We urge secular officials to investigate not only the allegations involving fraudulent use of funds, but also the abuse of a teenager.

Contact - David Clohessy 314-566-9790 cell, SNAPclohessy@aol.com

Barbara Dorris (314-503-0003 cell, SNAPdorris@gmail.com