Convictions upheld for Orthodox rabbis that conspired to kidnap, torture

By Christina Carrega
New York Daily News
July 07, 2017

http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/brooklyn/convictions-upheld-rabbis-conspired-kidnap-husbands-article-1.3309501

The 70-year-old ringleader Rabbi Mendel Epstein, was sentenced to 10 years. Photo by Bill Denver

The attacks happened from 2009 to 2013 in New Jersey and New York City. Photo by John Minchillo

A higher court upheld the convictions of three Orthodox Jewish rabbis that conspired to kidnap Orthodox Jewish husbands who refused to get divorced.

Binyamin Stimler, Mendel Epstein and Jay Goldstein were busted in 2013 by federal agents during an undercover investigation, working together with "tough guys" or "muscle men" in exchange for money to kidnap and torture husbands in order to coerce them to sign the gittin — plural for a get.

The attacks happened from 2009 to 2013 in New Jersey and New York City.

All three rabbis were convicted in 2015 after trial and filed their appeals — that were consolidated — based on numerous claims including violations of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

The United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit shot down their argument on Friday, affirming their convictions.

The 70-year-old ringleader Epstein, was sentenced to 10 years. Goldstein, 61, got an eight-year bid, while Stimler, 41, received a three-year sentence.