Case of Rabbi Richard M. Marcovitz (Oklahoma City, OK; Delray Beach, FL)

The Awareness Center is The Jewish Coalition Against Sexual Abuse/Assault (JCASA)

Case of Rabbi Richard Marcovitz

(AKA: Richard M. Marcovitz)

Delray Beach, FL

Rabbi - Emanuel Synagogue, Oklahoma City, OK

Teacher - Solomon Schecter Academy, Oklahoma City, OK

Plead guilty to inappropriately touching two students, a teacher and an after-care worker at an Oklahoma City Jewish school after a judge ruled evidence about the same kind of behavior over the last 40 years could be heard at his jury trial. The Emanuel Synagogue rabbi was sentenced to prison for five years and ordered to attend a sex offender treatment program.

Rabbi, Richard Marcovitz served as the spiritual leader of Emanuel Synagogue from 1996 to Feb. 2002.

When allegations of alleged victims, witnesses, and school officials recently arose, the Synagogue responded by initiating an internal investigation and rearranging responsibilities. Once the Oklahoma City Police department got involved, the synagogue fully cooperated and discontinued its own investigation.

The synagogue will continued to have Rabbi Marcovitz serve as its rabbi until the charges were substantiated. To reduce anxiety, relieved Rabbi Marcovitz of his responsibilities educating our children.

In 2003, Richard Marcovitz was named listed in civil lawsuits filed by the four victims and also a lawsuit filed by a woman who attended his conversion classes. She says he made statements about his sexual fantasies. The woman claimed she suffered loss of self esteem, bodily injury, sexual molestation and humiliation.

Marcovitz was previously sentenced to prison for five years after pleading guilty on March 25th to inappropriately touching two students, a teacher and an after-care worker at an Oklahoma City Jewish school.

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Table of Contents:

National Sex Offender Registry (02/04/2006)

Timeline

2002

From The Executive Board of Emanuel Synagogue (02/21/2002)
Accused Rabbi To Stay On At Synagogue - Marcovitz Facing Child Molestation Charges (02/21/2002)
Rabbi freed on $80,000 bond (02/22/2002)
Formal Charges Filed Against OKC Rabbim- Marcovitz Faces 11 Felony Counts (02/26/2002)
An Oklahoma City rabbi accused of lewd behavior with children (2002)
Accused Rabbi Makes Court Appearance (03/14/2002)
Rabbi accused of groping girls divides Oklahoma community (05/02/2002)
OKC community divided over case of accused rabbi (05/03/2002)
Town riven by case of rabbi accused of abuse (05/03/2002)
KRMG NEWS - Rabbi Accused (07/03/2002)
OKC rabbi ordered to stand trial for 11 criminal sex charges (07/04/2002)

2003

Rabbi Pleads Guilty To Touching Students (03/25/2003)
Rabbi pleads guilty (03/25/2003)
Rabbi admits inappropriate acts (03/26/2003)
Rabbi Named In New Lawsuit (04/03/2003)
Oklahoma Department of Corrections it (04/03/2003)

2004

2005

2006

Also see:

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National Sex Offender Registry

Feb. 4, 2006

Registry: http://www.nsopr.gov

Sex Offender

Date of Photo:04-08-2005

Richard Marcovitz

Alias: Richard M Marcovitz

Status: Supervision

Department of Corrections #: D18560 Date of Birth: 03-14-1937

Race: White Sex: Male Height: 6' 00"

Hair: Grey Eyes: Hazel Weight: 180 lbs.

Scars, Mark, Tasttoos: Scar Groin:3 R. Side, Hernia;

Last Reported Address: 14879 Sunnyview Ln, Delray Beach, FL 33484-8422

County: Palm Beach

Date Address Entered: 04-12-2005

Qualifying Offense(s): Lewd,Lascivious Child U/16 (Principal). Sex Bat/Inj Not Likely (Principal)

Victim(s): Gender: Unknown ; Minor? Yes

Marcovitz is a Sex Offender under Florida law. Positive identification cannot be established unless a fingerprint comparison is made.

If further information is needed, please contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Sexual Offender/Predator Unit at (1-888-357-7332) between the hours of 8am and 6.30pm, Monday through Friday

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From the Executive Board of Emanuel Synagogue

Feburary 22, 2002

http://www.channeloklahoma.com/news/1247998/detail.html

Yesterday, Emanuel Synagogue was sorry to learn about the charges made against our rabbi, Richard Marcovitz.

Rabbi Marcovitz has served as the spiritual leader of Emanuel Synagogue since 1996. When allegations of alleged victims, witnesses, and school officials recently arose, the Synagogue responded by initiating an internal investigation and rearranging responsibilities.

At the request of the Oklahoma City police to not interfere with their investigation, the synagogue fully cooperated and discontinued its own investigation. Subsequently, we had no direct evidence or first-hand knowledge to pass onto police.

We refuse to be the purveyors of gossip, second-hand, hearsay or innuendo. A person in our country and the state of Oklahoma is not supposed to be condemned by such words or determined to be guilty by the police or the press. The ultimate judgment regarding the allegations and charges against Rabbi Marcovitz must await his opportunity to have his day in court facing his accusers.

The synagogue will continue to have Rabbi Marcovitz serve as its rabbi until the charges are substantiated. To reduce anxiety, we have relieved Rabbi Marcovitz of his responsibilities educating our children.

Those who may have been wronged, and certainly Rabbi Marcovitz, need our community's help and support.

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Accused Rabbi To Stay On At Synagogue - Marcovitz Facing Child Molestation Charges

February 21, 2002

http://www.channeloklahoma.com/okl/news/stories/news-124707220020221-170247.html

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A local rabbi who was arrested on complaints of sexual battery and committing lewd acts with a child will continue to serve as rabbi of his synagogue until the charges are substantiated, Emanuel Synagogue said Friday.

Video

Rabbi Facing Child Molestation Charges Rabbi Richard Marcovitz (pictured, right), 64, was arrested Thursday after police questioned him about complaints he might have improperly touched two children and had inappropriate contact with two teachers, a police report said.

In the first complaint, a girl said she was touched between Jan. 1 and May 25, 2000, AT the Solomon Schecter Academy. The school is at Emmanuel Synagogue where Marcovitz is rabbi.

The second complaint came from school officials who said Marcovitz had been touching a second girl at the school in an inappropriate manner between Jan. 2 and Feb. 8.

In a statement, the executive board of Emanuel Synagogue said Marcovitz would remain in his position as rabbi until the charges are proven.

"We refuse to be the purveyors of gossip, second-hand, hearsay or innuendo," the executive board said. "A person in our country and the state of Oklahoma is not supposed to be condemned by such words or determined to be guilty by the police or the press.

"The ultimate judgment regarding the allegations and charges against Rabbi Marcovitz must await his opportunity to have his day in court facing his accusers," the board said. (Click here to read board's full statement.)

Marcovitz will be relieved of his responsibilities educating children, the board said, during the investigation.

Meanwhile, Marcovitz's attorney said his client is "distraught" about the allegations and denies any wrongdoing.

"Allegations are allegations, and we are ready to defend them," Billy Bock said. "He certainly denies any wrongdoing, and we'll see what happens during the process."

Bob Weiss, a member of Marcovitz's congregation, said the complaints were unexpected.

"To the majority of the congregation, it came out of the blue," Weiss said.

Investigators are running checks on Marcovitz's background to determine if the rabbi has a criminal history.

Marcovitz is free on $80,000 bond.

Video - Rabbi Facing Molestation Charges

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Rabbi freed on $80,000 bond

By Bryan Dean

The Oklahoman - Feburary 2, 2002

http://www.newsok.com/cgi-bin/show_article?ID=825781&pic=none&TP=getarticle

An Oklahoma City rabbi is free on $80,000 bond after being arrested Thursday on complaints of sexual battery and committing lewd acts with a child, a police report said.

The report stated that Rabbi Richard Marcovitz, 64, was arrested after police questioned him about complaints he might have molested two children attending the Solomon Schecter Academy. The school is at the Emanuel Synagogue, 900 NW 47, where Marcovitz is the rabbi.

In the first complaint, the victim said she was molested between Jan. 1 and May 25, 2000. The second complaint came from school officials who said they noticed Marcovitz had been touching a second girl at the school in an inappropriate manner.

Marcovitz was released on $80,000 bail.

CONTRIBUTING: The Associated Press

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Formal Charges Filed Against OKC Rabbi - Marcovitz Faces 11 Felony Counts

http://www.channeloklahoma.com/okl/news/stories/news-126442920020226-170249.html

February 26, 2002

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Prosecutors filed 11 criminal charges against a rabbi Tuesday, alleging lewd acts with two girls who attended a religious school and sexual battery involving two women who worked there.

Richard Marcovitz (pictured), 64, was arrested last week and was freed on $80,000 bond.

He has been placed on administrative leave from Emanuel Synagogue, where he has worked for the past six years.

The incidents are alleged to have occurred between August 2000 and May 2001 at the Solomon Schechter Academy, now called the Oklahoma City Jewish Day School. The school is based at the synagogue.

The girls involved in the complaint were 9 and 12. The allegations against the rabbi involve inappropriate sexual touching.

Marcovitz said he is innocent of the charges and plans an active defense in court, said his attorney, Billy Bock.

Oklahoma County District Attorney Wes Lane said the statements made by the two women and two girls were reliable and were backed up by people who witnessed the incidents.

Marcovitz was charged with five counts of lewd acts with a child under 16. Each of these charges carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison. He was also charged with six counts of sexual battery, which each carries a penalty of up to 5 years in prison.

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Oklahoma City rabbi accused of lewd behavior with children

(2002)

http://www.jewsweek.com/039.htm

An Oklahoma City rabbi accused of lewd behavior with children was arraigned Thursday and freed on $80,000 bond. Richard Marcovitz is charged with a total of 11 counts -- six for alleged sexual battery and five for lewd behavior with a child. The incidents allegedly happened at a Jewish day school in Oklahoma City. Marcovitz is now on administrative leave from the Emanuel Synagogue. He will be back in court April 29.

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Accused Rabbi Makes Court Appearance - Marcovitz Arraigned On 11 Felony Counts

March 14, 2002

Eyewitness News - channel 5

http://www.channeloklahoma.com/okl/news/stories/news-130473220020314-150345.html

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A preliminary hearing date was set Thursday for a rabbi facing charges of lewd acts with two girls who attended a religious school and sexual battery involving two women who worked there.

An Oklahoma County District Court judge set an April 29 hearing for Rabbi Richard Marcovitz, 65.

Marcovitz made his first court appearance during a private hearing held in Special Judge Russell Hall's chambers. Marcovitz's attorney, Billy Bock, requested the private appearance.

The incidents are alleged to have occurred between August 2000 and May 2001 at the Solomon Schechter Academy, now called the Oklahoma City Jewish Day School. The school is based at the synagogue.

The girls involved in the complaint were 9 and 12. The allegations against the rabbi involve inappropriate sexual touching.

Marcovitz was arrested in February.

He was charged with five counts of lewd acts with a child under 16. Each of these charges carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison. He was also charged with six counts of sexual battery, which each carries a penalty of up to 5 years in prison.

Marcovitz has been placed on administrative leave from Emanuel Synagogue, where he has worked for the past six years.

Marcovitz said he is innocent of the charges and plans an active defense in court, Bock said.

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Rabbi accused of groping girls divides Oklahoma community

Jefferson City Tribune - Thursday, May 2, 2002

http://newstribune.com/stories/050202/wor_0502020964.asp

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The small, close-knit Jewish community in this Bible Belt city was used to seeing Rabbi Richard Marcovitz presiding over weddings, funerals and bar mitzvahs.

So they were shocked to see TV images of him with his hands behind his back in handcuffs, arrested for allegedly groping two girls and two young women at a Jewish day school.

The case has divided a Jewish community that numbers less than 3,000 people in a metro area of more than a million, a place where the Baptist religion predominates.

On Friday, Marcovitz was expected to be in court for a hearing to determine whether a trial is warranted on 11 criminal sex charges. He maintains his innocence.

Some congregants of Emanuel Synagogue have given up on the 65-year-old rabbi, while others hope he will be exonerated and resume his work as a religious leader, said Henryk Orlowski, a real estate agent who has been active in the local Jewish community for 20 years.

"I hate to see the rift in the whole community," he said. "We could have repercussions for years to come and unhappiness among individuals for the way everything was handled."

The criminal investigation began on Feb. 7, when police were told that Marcovitz had touched a child in an inappropriate way at the Oklahoma City Jewish Community Day School, which is located at the synagogue.

Police Sgt. Willie Edwards said in an affidavit that he spoke to 20 people who backed up the stories of two girls, ages 12 and 9, as well as a 26-year-old teacher and a 17-year-old daycare worker. All four said he touched them on their breasts or bottoms.

Edwards said the people he spoke to either saw the touching or heard the four people complain about it. "All the victims advised this happened several times over a period of at least a year," Edwards said.

Marcovitz was released on $80,000 bond. Within a few days, he was placed on administrative leave from the 200-family Conservative synagogue, where he has worked for six years.

The synagogue, founded in 1904, has continued to hold religious services without the rabbi, who has been holding services of his own in his home.

Marcovitz, known for his booming voice and outgoing manner, has been a local fixture. Every year he helps children light a large menorah outside the synagogue. He has explained Jewish traditions to newspapers and television stations and has expressed views about Israel.

Marcovitz faces five charges of lewd acts with a child under 16, each punishable by up to 20 years in prison; and six counts of sexual battery, which carry 5-year terms.

"I am looking forward to the truth coming out, and if the truth comes out, I think the right thing will happen," said Marcovitz's attorney, Billy Bock.

The case has gained notoriety because of his position as a rabbi in a city where many residents do not have a great knowledge of Judaism, Bock said.

"Because he's a rabbi, it's a bigger deal, and in Oklahoma, I don't know that we have a great understanding of what a rabbi is," the attorney said.

Oklahoma City's Jewish population is small compared to other major U.S. cities. Few Jews participated in the land rush that populated the Oklahoma territory in 1889. The city does not have the Jewish delicatessens, butchers or bakers seen in many other major urban areas.

Rabbi David Packman, who presides at the Reform Temple B'Nai Israel in Oklahoma City, said problems of molestation in the Roman Catholic Church also have drawn additional attention to the case.

"It's the hot issue of the day," he said.

Assistant District Attorney Jodie Casey said religion does not affect how she is handling the case.

"In our opinion, it's being handled similar to any other case," Case said. "Just like in any case, when anyone has authority, that's another piece of the evidence. But that doesn't change the way the case is prosecuted."

Synagogue President Robert Epstein said he hopes some good will eventually come out of a bad situation.

"I think there are people who feel this has created harm and I think at the same time, everyone is trying to reach out to create more harmony," he said.

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OKC community divided over case of accused rabbi

http://www.news-star.com/stories/050302/New_17.shtml

News-Star (Oklahoma) - Friday, May 3, 2002

Rabbi Richard Marcovitz, center, leaves court after his arraignment March 14 in Oklahoma City. Marcovitz was arrested for allegedly groping two girls and two young women at a Jewish day school. Today, Marcovitz is expected to be in court for a hearing to determine whether a trial is warranted on 11 criminal sex charges. OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The small, close-knit Jewish community in this Bible Belt city was used to seeing Rabbi Richard Marcovitz presiding over weddings, funerals and bar mitzvahs.

So they were shocked to see TV images of him with his hands behind his back in handcuffs, arrested for allegedly groping two girls and two young women at a Jewish day school.

The case has divided a Jewish community that numbers less than 3,000 people in a metro area of more than a million, a place where the Baptist religion predominates.

A hearing scheduled for Friday to determine whether a trial is warranted on 11 criminal sex charges was postponed until June 7 because Marcovitz's attorney had a personal emergency.

"I hate to see the rift in the whole community," he said. "We could have repercussions for years to come and unhappiness among individuals for the way everything was handled."

Marcovitz was released on $80,000 bond. Within a few days, he was placed on administrative leave from the 200-family Conservative synagogue, where he has worked for six years.

The synagogue, founded in 1904, has continued to hold religious services without the rabbi, who has been holding services of his own in his home.

Marcovitz faces five charges of lewd acts with a child under 16, each punishable by up to 20 years in prison; and six counts of sexual battery, which carry 5-year terms.

"I am looking forward to the truth coming out, and if the truth comes out, I think the right thing will happen," said Marcovitz's attorney, Billy Bock.

The case has gained notoriety because of his position as a rabbi in a city where many residents do not have a great knowledge of Judaism, Bock said.

"Because he's a rabbi, it's a bigger deal, and in Oklahoma, I don't know that we have a great understanding of what a rabbi is," the attorney said.

Oklahoma City's Jewish population is small compared to other major U.S. cities. Few Jews participated in the land run that populated the Oklahoma territory in 1889. The city does not have the Jewish delicatessens, butchers or bakers seen in many other major urban areas.

Rabbi David Packman, who presides at the Reform Temple B'Nai Israel in Oklahoma City, said problems of molestation in the Roman Catholic Church also have drawn additional attention to the case.

"It's the hot issue of the day," he said.

Assistant District Attorney Jodie Casey said religion does not affect how she is handling the case.

"In our opinion, it's being handled similar to any other case," Casey said. "Just like in any case, when anyone has authority, that's another piece of the evidence. But that doesn't change the way the case is prosecuted."

Synagogue President Robert Epstein said he hopes some good will eventually come out of a bad situation.

"I think there are people who feel this has created harm and I think at the same time, everyone is trying to reach out to create more harmony," he said.

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Town riven by case of rabbi accused of abuse

The Olympian, Olympia Washington - THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Friday, May 3, 2002

http://www.theolympian.com/home/news/20020503/frontpage/17603.shtml

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The small, close-knit Jewish community in this Bible Belt city was used to seeing Rabbi Richard Marcovitz presiding over weddings, funerals and bar mitzvahs.

So they were shocked to see TV images of him with his hands behind his back in handcuffs, arrested for allegedly groping two girls and two young women at a Jewish day school.

The case has divided a Jewish community that numbers less than 3,000 people in a metro area of more than a million, a place where the Baptist religion predominates.

A hearing scheduled for Friday to determine whether a trial is warranted on 11 criminal sex charges was postponed until June 7 because Marcovitz's attorney had a personal emergency. Marcovitz maintains his innocence.

Differing opinions

"I hate to see the rift in the whole community," he said. "We could have repercussions for years to come and unhappiness among individuals for the way everything was handled."

Police Sgt. Willie Edwards said in an affidavit that he spoke to 20 people who backed up the stories of two girls, ages 12 and 9, as well as a 26-year-old teacher and a 17-year-old day care worker. All four said he touched them on their breasts or bottoms.

Marcovitz was released on $80,000 bond. Within a few days, he was placed on administrative leave from the 200-family Conservative synagogue, where he has worked for six years.

The synagogue, founded in 1904, has continued to hold religious services without the rabbi, who has been holding services of his own in his home.

Marcovitz faces five charges of lewd acts with a child under 16, each punishable by up to 20 years in prison; and six counts of sexual battery, which carry 5-year terms.

"I am looking forward to the truth coming out, and if the truth comes out, I think the right thing will happen," said Marcovitz's attorney, Billy Bock.

The case has gained notoriety because of his position as a rabbi in a city where many residents do not have a great knowledge of Judaism, Bock said.

"Because he's a rabbi, it's a bigger deal, and in Oklahoma, I don't know that we have a great understanding of what a rabbi is," the attorney said.

Rabbi David Packman, who presides at the Reform Temple B'Nai Israel in Oklahoma City, said problems of molestation in the Roman Catholic Church also have drawn additional attention to the case.

"It's the hot issue of the day," he said.

Assistant District Attorney Jodie Casey said religion does not affect how she is handling the case.

Synagogue President Robert Epstein said he hopes some good will eventually come out of a bad situation.

"I think there are people who feel this has created harm and I think at the same time, everyone is trying to reach out to create more harmony," he said.

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KRMG NEWS - Rabbi Accused

KRMG Talk Radio/Tulsa - July 3, 2002

http://krmg.com/news/070302afternoonheadlines.html

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- A rabbi accused of inappropriately touching girls at a Jewish day school will face trial on eleven criminal sex charges. Oklahoma County District Judge Donald Deason said today that there is enough evidence to bind Rabbi Richard Marcovitz over for trial. Two elementary students and two young women say they were assaulted.

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OKC rabbi ordered to stand trial for 11 criminal sex charges

The Daily Ardmoreite - Thursday, July 4, 2002

http://www.ardmoreite.com/stories/070402/new_rabbi.shtml

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A rabbi accused of groping two girls and two young women at a Jewish day school will face trial on 11 criminal sex charges, a judge decided Wednesday.

Oklahoma County District Judge Donald Deason said there was enough evidence to warrant a trial for Rabbi Richard Marcovitz, 65, who faces six charges of sexual battery and five counts of lewd acts with a minor.

Deason refused a motion by Billy Bock, Marcovitz's attorney, to have the charges reduced or dismissed.

The judge's rulings came following a preliminary hearing in which an 18-year-old daycare worker at the school said the rabbi put his hand on her hip, thigh and buttocks on numerous occasions from August 2001 through January 2002.

She said the rabbi would approach her from behind, put his arms around her and clasp his hands together.

''I would try to walk away sometimes and he restrained me,'' she said.

A 10-year-old girl, who prosecutors allege had been touched by the rabbi from August 2000 to May 2002, also testified.

The preliminary hearing began June 7 and was postponed until Wednesday.

Last month, a 13-year-old girl and a 28-year-old teacher testified they too had been inappropriately touched by the rabbi.

Oklahoma County Assistant District Attorney Jodi Casey said the judge's decision to bring the rabbi to trial was exactly what the prosecution had expected.

''It's one step forward to getting this thing resolved,'' she said.

Casey said Marcovitz's case was similar to the sexual abuse scandal going on in the Catholic church.

''It's really not different,'' she said. ''The fact is he violated a trusting position.''

Bock said he feels confident going into trial.

''There are juries out there in Oklahoma County who are going to feel the same way we do,'' he said. ''Although this may have been from the girls' perspective an unwanted touching, there was nothing in a lewd or lascivious manner.''

He said the rabbi doesn't dispute that he touched the girls, but that it was not sexual in nature.

''Every man out there ought to be scared because it seems if you hug a person or you hug a girl, there's potential charges,'' Bock said.

A pre-trial hearing has been set for Aug. 7.

Each of the charges of lewd acts with a minor carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison. Each sexual battery charge carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison.

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Rabbi Pleads Guilty To Touching Students

http://www.channeloklahoma.com/news/2062768/detail.html

OKLAHOMA CITY -- An Oklahoma City rabbi accused of inappropriately touching students and workers at a Jewish school pleaded guilty Tuesday, Eyewitness News 5 reported.

Under the terms of a plea agreement with prosecutors, Rabbi Richard Marcovitz will face a maximum penalty of five years in prison, plus 15 years probation.

If Marcovitz completes a sexual offender rehabilitation program behind bars, however, he could be released from state custody in 12 to 18 months. He can never again work in a synagogue or teach children.

"Anytime you have a settlement that both sides are upset about, then it's probably a pretty good resolution," Marcovitz attorney Billy Bock said. "I wouldn't say it's a great day for us and I wouldn't say it was a great day for the state, but it's probably a fair resolution."

Marcovitz's decision to plead guilty came one day after a judge ruled that jurors could hear evidence that he inappropriately touched his female students while working in Pennsylvania in the 1960s.

Prosecutors said they also have court documents that show Marcovitz fondled a 10-year-old girl visiting his home in Palm Beach, Fla., in 1994.

The rabbi faced five counts of indecent or lewd acts with two girls, ages 12 and 9. The teacher and a 17-year-old after-care worker are named in six counts of sexual battery filed against Marcovitz.

The students were attending the Jewish Community Day School in Oklahoma City when they say they were sexually assaulted.

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Rabbi pleads guilty

By The Associated Press - March 25, 2003

http://www.newsok.com/cgi-bin/show_article?ID=1003590&pic=none&TP=getarticle

A rabbi pleaded guilty Tuesday to charges that he groped two female employees of a religious school and two girls who attended classes there. Richard Marcovitz, 66, agreed to a 20-year sentence, five of which must be served in prison, said Oklahoma County Assistant District Attorney Steve Deutsch. Marcovitz will be on probation for the balance of his sentence.

The length of Marcovitz's prison time can be reduced if he successfully completes a sex offender program, Deutsch said.

Marcovitz pleaded guilty to 11 counts before state District Judge Twyla Mason Gray. Jury selection for the rabbi's trial had been scheduled to begin Tuesday.

The rabbi faced five counts of indecent or lewd acts with two girls, ages 12 and 9. Six counts of sexual battery were filed against Marcovitz in connection with allegations involving a teacher and a 17-year-old aftercare worker.

Marcovitz has been on paid leave from Emanuel Synagogue.

The incidents occurred between August 2000 and May 2001 at the Solomon Schechter Academy, also called the Oklahoma City Jewish Day School. The school was based at the synagogue, but is no longer in operation.

On Monday, Gray ruled that Marcovitz's jurors could hear allegations that he has been inappropriately touching young girls for 40 years.

Gray ruled that jurors could hear evidence that Marcovitz inappropriately touched female students while working in Pennsylvania in the 1960s.

Prosecutors said they also have court documents that show Marcovitz fondled a 10-year-old girl visiting his home in Palm Beach, Fla., in 1994. No charges were ever filed over those incidents.

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Rabbi admits inappropriate acts

By Diana Baldwin

The Oklahoman - March 26, 2003

http://www.newsok.com/cgi-bin/show_article?ID=1003963&pic=none&TP=getarticle

Rabbi Richard M. Marcovitz decided to plead guilty Tuesday to inappropriately touching two students, a teacher and an after-care worker at an Oklahoma City Jewish school after a judge ruled evidence about the same kind of behavior over the last 40 years could be heard at his jury trial. The Emanuel Synagogue rabbi was sentenced to prison for five years and ordered to attend a sex offender treatment program.

Oklahoma County District Judge Twyla Mason Gray said Marcovitz could be released earlier after he completes the sex offender program.

He was given five 20-year sentences with all but five years suspended for his convictions for indecent or lewd acts with a child under 16, and six five-year sentences for the sexual battery convictions. The judge ordered the sentences to run concurrently.

Marcovitz, 66, pleaded guilty to 11 felony counts of inappropriately touching two students and two employees of the Jewish Community Day School.

The judge ruled Marcovitz cannot take another rabbinic position at a synagogue or teach children in any capacity. He will have to register as a sex offender when he is released from prison.

Marcovitz decided late Monday to plead guilty after the judge ruled prosecutors could call four girls and one of their mothers to testify about what they said the rabbi did to them.

Defense attorney Billy Bock said: "Based on the ruling yesterday, he had to reassess his situation. At some point, you have to take your money off the roulette table. He didn't want to die in prison. Now, he's in control of his future."

Assistant District Attorneys Joel-lyn McCormick and Steve Deutsch said they have evidence that in 1962, when Marcovitz was in Elkins Park, Penn., he put his hand down the shirt of a 12-year-old student studying with the rabbi for her bas mitzvah. The girl said the rabbi continued the conduct on a daily basis for about two months.

In Pottsville, Pa., between Jan. 1, 1966, and Dec. 31, 1967, Marcovitz fondled the private parts of a 10-year-old girl, according to court records.

During the summer of 1994 in Palm Beach, Fla., Marcovitz fondled another 10-year-old girl -- a friend of the defendant's daughter who was visiting in his home, according to court records. The girl said Marcovitz rubbed her private area underneath bedcovers on multiple occasions, documents show.

The girl called her parents and wanted to go home early, according to court records. Her mother said when she met her daughter at the airport, she started crying and explained what had happened in Florida, records state.

In Oklahoma County between Jan. 1, 1998, and Feb. 24, 2001, Marcovitz committed indecent and lewd acts with a child under the age of 16 by touching the student's buttocks and rubbing her back underneath her clothes while making comments that she was sexy, according to documents. She was attending classes with the defendant for bas mitzvah, according to court records.

During his sentencing, Marcovitz complained he was lightheaded and needed to sit down because it would be easier to answer the judge's questions.

"I'm sorry for any pain I caused any of those people," Marcovitz said. "There was no malice on my part on committing these things. In the future, I will attempt to be more sensitive. I feel very badly about what occurred."

The judge told the rabbi it was impossible for her to understand what he did.

"There is no doubt in my mind your attorneys did you a great service negotiating your plea," Gray said. "A jury would put you in prison for a long time."

Sharon Murphy, one of the rabbi's supporters, said the charges should have been thrown out.

"He doesn't have an evil bone in his body," said Murphy, who attended the synagogue for 18 years. "He spent his life trying to help people. They dug and dug and dug to get people to say things that some of them were lies. Even the lies were nothing."

Prosecutors said they were ready to go to trial, but were glad the victims wouldn't have to testify before a jury.

Deutsch said, "The office of district attorney takes an extremely dim view of anyone, especially anyone in a position of trust, who takes advantage of a child."

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Rabbi Named In New Lawsuit

http://www.channeloklahoma.com/news/2087663/detail.html

Eyewitness News Oklahoma - April 3, 2003

OKLAHOMA CITY -- An Oklahoma City rabbi is named in a civil lawsuit filed in Oklahoma County District Court. Rabbi Richard Marcovitz is listed in a lawsuit filed by a woman who attended his conversion classes. She says he made statements about his sexual fantasies.

The woman claims she suffered loss of self esteem, bodily injury, sexual molestation and humiliation.

In February he was listed in civil lawsuits filed by the four victims.

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Oklahoma Department of Corrections

Case of Rabbi Richard Marcovitz - update

Information as to convictions, release date (search by name):

http://docapp8.doc.state.ok.us/servlet/page?_pageid=395&_dad=portal30&_schema=PORTAL30

Name: RICHARD M MARCOVITZ

ODOC#: 443608

FBI#: 156254AC4

OSBI#: 1306884

Birth Date: 03/14/1937

Appearance : White Male; age 66; 5 ft. 10 in. tall; 154 pounds; Brown hair; Hazel eyes

Body Marks EYE: DEF WEARS GLASSES LEG: SCAR R UPP

Sentence

CRF# County Offense Conviction Term Term Code Start End

2002-1066 OKLA Sexual Battery 03/25/2003 5Y 0M 0D INC 03/26/2003 09/20/2007

2002-1066 OKLA Indecent Or Lewd Acts With A Child Under 16 (Split) 03/25/2003 15Y 0M 0D PROB 03/25/2003 03/24/2023

2002-1066 OKLA Indecent Or Lewd Acts With A Child Under 16 (Split) 03/25/2003 5Y 0M 0D INC 03/26/2003 03/22/2008

2002-1066 OKLA Indecent Or Lewd Acts With A Child Under 16 (Split) 03/25/2003 15Y 0M 0D PROB 03/25/2003 03/24/2023

2002-1066 OKLA Indecent Or Lewd Acts With A Child Under 16 (Split) 03/25/2003 5Y 0M 0D INC 03/26/2003 03/22/2008

2002-1066 OKLA Indecent Or Lewd Acts With A Child Under 16 (Split) 03/25/2003 15Y 0M 0D PROB 03/25/2003 03/24/2023

2002-1066 OKLA Indecent Or Lewd Acts With A Child Under 16 (Split) 03/25/2003 5Y 0M 0D INC 03/26/2003 03/22/2008

Facility

Current Facility Phone# Reception Date Discharge Date Parole Hearing Date

John Lilley Correctional Center, Boley (918) 667-3381 03/26/2003 05/2007

Address City State Zip Contact

P.O. Box 1908 Boley OK 74829-0308 Glynn Booher, Warden

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Last Updated: 02/04/2006

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

--Margaret Mead

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