Prominent Monsey rabbi pleads not guilty to child sexual abuse

MONSEY – A major face in Monsey’s Jewish community pled not guilty on Tuesday to multiple felonies related to alleged sexual abuse of an underage boy.

Rabbi Gavin Bodenheimer, 71, was arrested on Monday and now faces charges of criminal sexual abuse and first-degree sexual abuse, all felonies. According to a press release by the Rockland County District Attorney, Bodenheimer sexually abused a seven-year old boy on multiple occasions from August 1, 2009 to July 31, 2010.

If convicted, Bodheimer faces up to 25 years in prison.

Bodenheimer has been a longtime fixture in Monsey’s Jewish community. He currently serves as principal of Bais Mikroh, a yeshiva for boys, and has been an educator for several decades. The District Attorney’s Office stated that each instance of abuse occurred in his school office.

In addition to his role as an educator, Bodenheimer has also joined other prominent voices in East Ramapo in a call to change the state education aid formula and bring more money to the East Ramapo Central School District. Bodenheimer and others claim the state should factor private yeshiva students into the state formula.

Bodenheimer’s bail has been set at $25,000. He is due back in court on August 26.