Rabbi Osher Eisemann’s lawyers filed their second and final appeal brief last week, in which they point out why the case against him was
built on injustices and why the NJ Appellate Court should toss all the convictions against him. The appeal brief also rebutted the state’s appeal, in which they asked that Rabbi Eisemann be resentenced and that a mandatory 12-year prison sentence be imposed.
In the brief, Rabbi Eisemann’s lawyers take apart the entire case, revealing how the convictions were only garnered based on the prosecutor’s lies, and that the convictions have no basis. They therefore assert that the two remaining convictions be tossed, and that Rabbi Eisemann’s record be cleared.
The State has approximately two weeks to respond to the brief. After the state submits their response, oral arguments can be scheduled before a three-judge appellate court. (Oral arguments are not automatic – some of New Jersey’s appellate courts allow them, and some rule based on the briefs alone.)
“The appeal has cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, and although the community has stood behind Rabbi Eisemann throughout the process and has generally contributed to the legal fees, the steadily mounting bills are tremendous,” askonim involved said. “Failure to raise enough money to pay the lawyers can threaten the continuation of the defense, so an emergency campaign was launched to help raise some of those crucial funds.”
The family has been hesitant to turn back to the tzibur, as so much money has already been donated. However, the pressing bills have left them with no choice, and a new campaign was initiated.
The Mirrer rosh yeshiva, Rav Elya Brudny, recorded a strong message of support for Rabbi Eisemann, and lead defense attorney Lee Vartan spoke about the importance of the support they’ve received from the community. Those messages can be viewed at http://pidyonshvuyim.com.
An audio hotline has also been set up, where callers can listen to audio updates about the case. The number for the hotline is 732.363.1011.
“So many have already opened their hearts and wallets in support of this great man. However, if it is within your means to help again, we can bring this case to a successful conclusion,” askonim said.
i have a different take on this: the state is deliberately extending the trial needlessly so more appeals for donations can be made. then they will be able to yell about how much money jews have to ‘prove’ that jewish money is only obtained illegally. i, personally, have responded 3 times to appeals because i dont know how else to fight these allegations, but, at some point there may be no more money available. what then?
It’s crazy what’s going on here. The state charged him with stealing public funds meant for his school (including a first degree offense). That was the focus of their case, and the only charges mentioned in all the press releases. Their entire case fell apart in court and it was clearly proven that their prosecution of those charges was farfetched – ultimately leading to a complete acquittal from the jury. The jury did return a conviction on two “tacked-on” charges, which were so complex (and ridiculous) that it is almost impossible to believe that the jury understood those charges properly (as they were not the focus of the case, and only mentioned for about 30 seconds throughout the trial).
The judge, who watched the whole thing and understands that it was a farce, sentenced Rabbi Eisemann to probation, while urging the state to allow him to return to his position at SCHI. The state, who should have issued a tremendous apology for alleging theft wrongly (as the jury verdict confirmed), instead turned around and filed an appeal, demanding that Rabbi Eisemann be resentenced to 12 years in prison.
This is shameless and unacceptable! The attorney general’s office has no right to waste our tax money on pursuing this saint and causing him to run up millions of dollars in legal fees just to defend himself. We should show the AG’s office that we don’t approve of his unfair
of this holy public servant, and we can do so by donating whatever we can to his legal campaign. Aside from the tzedakah and pidyon shvuyim, I believe that every dollar raised sends a strong message that such antics are wrong and unjustifiable.
its scary , you can do everything right, and try to be honest, but if they want to destroy your life, they will!