Rabbi Accused of Molesting Girl Bonds Out, Denies Wrongdoing
WSVN
A South Florida rabbi arrested for allegedly inappropriately touching an 11-year-old girl at his art gallery denied any wrongdoing shortly as he bonded out of jail Thursday night. Fifty-five-year-old Rabbi Steve Karro said he embraced the girl, but it wasn't molestation. "It was not touch, it was hug, and the way I hug everybody, the way I hug all the kids, the way I caress them, and I give everybody love," he said shortly after walking out of the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. According to Miami Beach Police, Karro was arrested Thursday. He has been charged with lewd and lascivious molestation and lewd and lascivious conduct on a child under the age of 18. According to the arrest report, Karro intentionally touched and grabbed the buttocks of the victim over her clothing while she was alone with him at the art gallery, which sits on 41st Street in Miami Beach. The report states Karro "provided the reason for touching the buttocks to be for a 'cleansing' as she was exhibiting negative energy." The report further states he kissed her neck and sat her on his lap. As nerves began to build, she got up and began to leave the studio. The report states he then handed her a small bag of candy and asked that she not tell her mother of what took place. The rabbi, however, said he is being falsely accused. "Very simple: It's love, harmony, cleansing, nothing else," he said. "There was nothing there inappropriate, nothing that I had violated anybody's right." Friday, a sign was left on the door of the studio which read, "Please leave him alone. He is an angel on Earth." Karro's arrest has sent a shock wave of disbelief through Miami Beach's tight-knit Jewish community. "I swear, this guy is an angel on Earth. There has to be two sides," said a woman who asked not to be identified. Jewish Community Watch founder Meyer Seewald disagrees. "The real angel is that 11-year-old that is so brave, so courageous that [she] came forward to her mother [and] reported what happened to her," he said. "I feel very sorry for her, also for the family," said Michelle, who works near the art studio. "I pray for everybody. This is a very bad situation for the family and also for him." Seewald said he has spoken with the mother of the alleged victim, calling her an inspiration. "She inspires me. She inspires me that she came forward to protect her child, protect other children. She knows that this is gonna be a strong, long, ugly fight, but she does not care," he said. "The strength that she has is amazing and remarkable." Karro is a substitute rabbi at a synagogue located on the same street as his art gallery. Community member Rosa Haimov rose to his defense. "I do not believe that he can do something like this. He only does good things to people," she said. Seewald said support is what victims need, and that is what the girl is receiving. "This is a problem, and we have to deal with it," he said. "This person has to be held accountable, and the victim and the victim's family have to be supported." Karro was being held on a $17,500 bond. The Miami Beach Police Department is seeking the public's assistance to identify any additional potential victims. Those with any information about any suspicious contact between Karro and any other victims are encouraged to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous.
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