SYDNEY (JTA) — An American citizen who is accused of child sex abuse at an Orthodox Jewish school in Australia appeared in court.
David Kramer, 52, in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Monday did not speak and did not apply for bail, according to local media reports. Kramer was not required to enter a plea. He was remanded into custody until Jan.18.
As he left the court, Manny Waks, a spokesman for alleged Jewish victims of child sex abuse, shouted from the gallery, "Welcome back to Australia, Rabbi Kramer." Waks apologized to the court for heckling, local media reported.
Upon his arrival in Australia after being surrendered by U.S. authorities last week, Kramer was arrested and charged with 10 counts of indecent assault and two counts of indecent acts with a child under the age of 16.
The incidents are alleged to have taken place at Yeshivah College, a Chabad-run school, between 1989 and 1992.
Kramer, who was jailed in the United States in 2008 for sodomizing a 12-year-old boy at a Missouri synagogue, is one of three men embroiled in child sex abuse scandals inside the Jewish community.
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.
