Barry Freundel resigns from Towson University

WBAL
February 27, 2015

http://www.wbaltv.com/news/barry-freundel-resigns-from-towson-university/31531662

A rabbi and suspended Towson University professor accused of secretly videotaping scores of women at a Jewish ritual bath at Washington, D.C., synagogue pleads guilty Thursday to dozens of counts against him.

TOWSON, Md. —Rabbi Barry Freundel resigned Thursday as a professor at Towson University, university spokesman Ray Feldmann told WBAL-TV 11 News.

The resignation takes effect March 27. Freundel taught ethics and religion at Towson University since 2009.

Freundel, 63, was arrested in October after a hidden camera disguised as a digital clock radio was discovered in the shower area of the National Capital Mikvah, a ritual cleansing bath affiliated with the Kesher Israel synagogue, where Freundel had worked as a rabbi for more than 25 years.

Last week, Freundel pleaded guilty to 52 misdemeanor counts of voyeurism for secretly videotaping more than 150 women.

Each count carries a maximum sentence of a year in prison and a fine of up to $1,000 or $2,500. Freundel faces a maximum of 52 years in prison along with potential fines when he is sentenced May 15.

Freundel's resignation allows the university to avoid a lengthy and costly administrative hearing.

Freundel has been paid more than $26,000 in salary since being placed on administrative leave in October and will continue to be paid approximately $4,000 until his resignation takes effect, which is in line with University System of Maryland policy.