Music teacher from Pre'at Hen arrested on suspicion of sex offenses against 7-year-old pupil; released to house arrest

In depth

Kfar Saba police station officers arrested a music teacher in his 30s, a resident of Pre'at Hen, on suspicion of committing sex offenses against a 7-year-old pupil at an elementary school in Kfar Saba. The investigation was opened in recent days, and after investigative steps were taken, the suspect was arrested and transferred for questioning by police.

Police asked to extend his detention by six days, and a Petah Tikva Magistrate's Court judge extended his detention by one day for the examination of his mobile device. Later the judge ordered the suspect released to house arrest, ruling that the suspicion against him had strengthened, but that the screenshot on his phone was not pornographic as the pupil had testified. Police announced they would appeal the decision, and his release was delayed.

The Lod District Court rejected the police appeal and ordered his release to house arrest. Judge Eli Brand ruled that no attempt to obstruct the investigation had been shown, and the suspect was barred from teaching for 45 days. The teacher denies the allegations against him.