NBC 4
August 22, 2006
http://www.nbc4.com/news/9713287/detail.html
Alexandria, Va. -- The prosecution has rested its case in the trial of a local rabbi busted in the Internet sex predator sting carried out by "Dateline NBC" in August 2005.
Rabbi David Kaye is accused of traveling from his Rockville, Md., home to Herndon, Va., to have sex with a 13-year-old boy named Conrad, who he met online. That 13-year-old turned out to be an adult setting up a sting.
Monday's testimony included X-rated online chats being read into the record. But the cornerstone of the prosecution's case was the "Dateline" video that shows the 56-year-old Kaye arriving at the Herndon home.
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The sting operation was set up by a group known as Perverted Justice. Sean O'Connor, a 26-year-old member of the group took the stand Monday. He posed as the 13-year-old in the online chats.
Kaye's attorney said he'll argue that Kaye never believed the person was 13. He said O'Connor used sophisticated words in the online chat, which led Kaye to comment that O'Connor was very mature for 13.
Kaye's attorney told the judge that Kaye had a history of online liaisons with adults and he viewed Conrad as someone who was playacting.
Kaye was charged in May. He resigned as the vice president of the Institute for Jewish Leadership and Values. He had previously served at a Potomac synagogue for 10 years.
Kaye has waived his right to a jury trial.
The defense has promised that Kaye will take the stand in his own defense.
Previous Stories:
• Rabbi Accused in Internet Sex Sting Appears in Court | May 22, 2006
• Rabbi Indicted in Online Child Predator Case | May 19, 2006
• Sergeant Caught in 'Dateline' Sting Pleads Guilty | April 27, 2006
• Rabbi Caught in 'Dateline' Online Predator Sting | November 4, 2005
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