A Liberty man faces three to six years in state prison when sentenced in August on his guilty plea to possession of a stolen Torah from the Landfield Avenue Chabad Synagogue in Monticello.
Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Stolen Torah
A Liberty man faces three to six years in state prison when sentenced in August on his guilty plea to possession of a stolen Torah from the Landfield Avenue Chabad Synagogue in Monticello.
Christopher Colvill, 41, pled guilty in Sullivan County Court on Tuesday to felony criminal possession of stolen property.
District Attorney James Farrell said Colvill had a history with the synagogue.
“He had been a previous employee at the synagogue and the investigation led to him and on January 24th the Monticello Police in conjunction with the State Police found him in possession of the Torah and he admitted that knowingly possessed that stolen scroll in court,” he said.
The Torah, along with some cash was stolen from the house of worship.
The investigation into the burglary continues as authorities look for other suspects who may have broken into the building on that January day.
DeClasse- Intellectual
The second time in a short period where SERFER TORAHS have been stolen. Why are not people paying more attention to security. A fire proof gun safe can be set up easily in a cabinet to serve as an ARON KODESH, and thus provide peace of mind. Insurance does not cover all the unwanted extras if the TORAHS are not found
Were Jews Involved?
Shortly after the break-in, the rabbi told the press that he has reason to believe that Jews were involved. Did this prove to be true or was it a smear against all Jews? If a non-Jew would make such a statement it would be considered anti-Semitic and the fact that a Jew makes such a public statement is no less excusable or less damaging.