NYPD refuses to investigate allegations of assault against rallying women

by Vicki Polin

Examiner - 02/19/2011 

Feb. 15, 2011 -- A group of ultra orthodox Jewish women connected to the Coalition Against Legal Abuse (CALA)in New York City, were rallying outside of a fundraising event in hopes of warning community members of alleged corruption within the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office and at Ohel Family Services.  CALA members stated the problem has been with Henna White, who is the liaison to the Jewish community when it comes to sex crimes and domestic violence.

CALA was also warning their community to go directly to the New York Police Department to file charges of of alleged sexual abuse and domestic violence and not utilize the services of Ohel Family Services, which is the largest Jewish orthodox mental health agency in the United States.  Ohel is not only a powerful source in New York City, it often influences the Chicago Rabbinical Counsel’s Jewish Legal Court regarding issues pertaining to mental health, including abuse and neglect allegations.

Steve Zakheim

During the rally it has been reported that Steve Zackheim (AKA: Shlomo Zakheim) and his brother Moshe Zackheim started shouting at the women and allegedly grabbing their posters and both physically and sexually assaulted them.  A video of the rally and attack can be seen on youtube.  Moshe Zakheim is an executive board member of Ohel Family Services and also the director of the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation.  

Steve Zakheim was convicted of misdemeanor sexual abuse and settled a sexual harassment claim out of court, which was made by one of his employees back in 2004.

Det. Dominick Scotto

On Feb. 16, 2011 several of the women who were assaulted attempted to file a criminal complaint against their offenders. Several community members assembled to support the alleged victim making their reports at the 70th precinct in New York City.  Det. Dominick Scotto assured the women that case would be investigated and there would be follow through within 24 hours.  

Yesterday the coalition was notified that the case against the Zakheim brothers had been closed, prior to any type of an investigation, even though none of the women who had been assaulted were interviewed by police officers. 

CALA is urging anyone who cares about women, families or children to immediately contact Debuty Inspector Ralph Monteforte, Captain Peter Venice, Captain Michael Giovanelli and Det. Dominick Scotto to reopen the assault and harassment case against Steve and Moshe Zakheim immediately.  The coalition is also asking individuals to contact the New York Police Department’s Commission to Combat Police Corruption (CCPC) - internal affairs director, Charles V. Campisi and refer to complaint number 1264, dated Feb. 16, 2011.  


For more information on this case read: Religious Women Protest Against Henna White and Ohel Family Services

Deputy Inspector Ralph Monteforte



Captain Michael Giovanelli

• Deputy Inspector Ralph Monteforte, Captain Peter Venice, Captain Michael Giovanelli and Det. Dominick Scotto - (718) 851-5511
• 
  
• Charles V. Campisi, Internal Affairs - (212) 741-8401