Notorious NYC Pedophile Nearly Walks Free, But Forgets Details of Crimes

Nechemya Weberman's resentencing hearing takes an unexpected turn when he claims to not remember specifics of his sexual abuse of a 12-year-old girl.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 7:55pm

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A notorious Brooklyn Hasidic pedophile, Nechemya Weberman, nearly walked free during a resentencing hearing on Tuesday, but the furious prosecutor reversed course after Weberman pretended to forget details of his crimes. Weberman, who was originally sentenced to 103 years in prison for repeatedly sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl, ended up with an 18-year sentence, which could mean he's out in just 5 years with good behavior.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in the criminal justice system when it comes to prosecuting and sentencing sex offenders, especially those with powerful community connections. The victim's lawyer said Weberman's behavior in court showed he remains a danger, raising concerns about whether the reduced sentence sends the wrong message to survivors in the Hasidic community.

The details

Weberman, a former counselor at a Williamsburg yeshiva, was convicted on 59 counts and originally sentenced to 103 years in prison 13 years ago for repeatedly sexually abusing a 12-year-old female victim, Rivky Deutsch. The Brooklyn District Attorney's Office was prepared to effectively push for Weberman's release, seeking a resentencing on the grounds that his 103-year sentence was excessive and he had already served enough time. However, the prosecutor changed course mid-hearing when Weberman claimed to forget the details of his crimes, refusing to specifically attest to his criminal acts. The prosecutor said he was authorized to offer a 15-year sentence if Weberman had been forthcoming, but instead pivoted away from that.

  • Weberman was originally sentenced to 103 years in prison 13 years ago.
  • The resentencing hearing took place on Tuesday, January 28, 2026.

The players

Nechemya Weberman

A former counselor at a Williamsburg yeshiva who was convicted on 59 counts and originally sentenced to 103 years in prison for repeatedly sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl.

Rivky Deutsch

The 12-year-old female victim of Weberman's sexual abuse.

Sarena Townsend

The lawyer for Rivky Deutsch, the victim of Weberman's sexual abuse.

Joseph Alexis

The Brooklyn Assistant District Attorney who changed course during the resentencing hearing when Weberman claimed to forget the details of his crimes.

Matthew D'Emic

The judge who sentenced Weberman to 18 years in prison, with 10 years of supervision.

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What they’re saying

“Mr. Weberman's outrageous behavior in court today personified why he remains a danger to society. His repeated denials and refusal to face his actions proved that his assurances of rehabilitation and remorse were lies.”

— Sarena Townsend, Lawyer for the victim

“What's troubling to me is that Mr. Weberman can't remember. The victim can never forget.”

— Joseph Alexis, Brooklyn Assistant District Attorney

“It would be tragic if in five years from now, someone else is standing here describing his own story similar to mine, your Honor. You have the ability to prevent that.”

— Rivky Deutsch, Victim

What’s next

Weberman, who has fought his conviction and sentence for years, could still further appeal the new 18-year ruling.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in prosecuting and sentencing sex offenders, especially those with powerful community connections. The reduced sentence for Weberman has raised concerns that it sends a dangerous message to survivors in the Hasidic community about the consequences for such crimes.