A judge Monday sentenced prominent New Haven Rabbi Daniel Greer to 20
years in prison, suspended after he serves 12. Greer was found guilty
on charges connected to accusations that he repeatedly raped and
molested a former student at his yeshiva.
Judge Jon Alander
ordered that Greer begin serving his sentence immediately rather than
remain free on bond while he appeals his case. Alander said he considers
Greer a substantial flight risk now that the 79-year-old faces a
lengthy sentence that could exceed his life expectancy. Alander said
Greer also has the financial means to flee, noting that Greer’s wife
paid a bondsman $750,000 in cash after his criminal trial.
Alander
said the Talmud, the primary source of Jewish religious law and Jewish
theology, “teaches that there is hope for a man who is capable of being
ashamed.” He said he hopes that Greer will feel truly ashamed for his
actions and embark on a road to redemption.