(JTA) — A Jewish singer who has described himself as the "Michael Jackson of Jewish music" was sentenced to prison for stealing $36,000 from a fan.
Michoel Streicher, 50, was convicted Tuesday in Manhattan state Supreme Court of grand larceny, according to reports, and will serve one to three years in prison.
Judy Burstein, 55, of New York, met Streicher five years ago at performances in the New York area. Burstein gave money to Streicher to buy a Torah scroll to be used to form a minyan at home for her sick father.
Streicher, a father of 11 whose family lives in Israel, promised Burstein that great rabbis would use the scroll, her son told the New York Post. But Streicher did not produce a Torah scroll and then stopped taking Burstein’s calls.
He returned the money at the end of the sentencing hearing.
Streicher is receiving treatment for mental illness, his attorney told the court.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
