Peter Schaktman, 66, a rabbi at Temple Emanu-El in Utica, New York, was among eight people arrested during a New York State Police investigation. Schaktman was charged with second-degree attempted rape.
According to police and court records reported by multiple news organizations, investigators used an undercover operation in which Schaktman communicated with an individual he believed was 14 years old. Police alleged that he arranged a meeting for sexual activity and arrested him when he arrived at the designated location.
New York State Police said eight people were arrested during the operation. The investigation focused on adults suspected of attempting to arrange unlawful sexual encounters with individuals they believed were underage.
Temple Emanu-El suspended Schaktman following his arrest and announced that it was conducting an internal review. The synagogue has said that it is cooperating with the investigation.
Schaktman has pleaded not guilty to the charge. The arrest and criminal charge are allegations, and the charge does not establish guilt. The case remains subject to the judicial process.
