In an unfortunate turn of events, the founder and former head of a private Jewish safety patrol group in Brooklyn has admitted guilt in a crime related to the sexual abuse of a 15-year-old girl. Jacob Daskal, who headed the Boro Park Shomrim security group, entered a guilty plea for the charge of transporting a minor with the intent of engaging in criminal sexual activity. The U.S. Department of Justice has announced that Daskal will face a prison sentence of 14 to 17 years and will be required to register as a sex offender.
Daskal’s guilty plea comes after more than five years since his initial arrest and the subsequent charges related to the alleged abuse of the young girl, who had sought his help due to family troubles. Prosecutors revealed that Daskal exploited his position as a community leader to groom and engage in multiple instances of sexual activity with the victim in various locations, including Brooklyn, upstate New York, and Chicago.
In response to Daskal’s admission, Breon Peace, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York, stated, “The defendant has admitted he abused his power, trust, and position in the community by committing deplorable acts against a child in his care. We want victims everywhere to hear this guilty plea as our Office’s continued declaration that no one is above the law, and we will bring those who violate our children to justice.”
By entering this guilty plea, Daskal will avoid a trial on additional charges that were scheduled to commence soon. Disturbing evidence, including explicit text messages exchanged between Daskal and the victim, was presented in court filings that countered Daskal’s attempts to delay the trial.
According to reports from the New York Daily News, Daskal, who once had close connections with local police and Orthodox politicians in Brooklyn, appeared tearful as he made his plea in a Brooklyn court. He confessed, “I transported the 15-year-old victim from New York, Brooklyn to New Jersey. I was 58 years old at that time.”
This regrettable incident serves as a reminder that no one, regardless of their position or influence, is exempt from the consequences of their actions. It is a testament to the commitment of the justice system to protect children and hold offenders accountable.
