Man who Extorted Sharon Rabbi Gets Prison Time

A former Milton man who pleaded guilty to extorting the former rabbi for Temple Israel will serve time in prison.

Nicholas Zemeitus, 31, was sentenced Friday afternoon to four to five years in a state prison with three years of probation to follow, according to the Norfolk County District Attorney’s office. The state requested a prison term of six to eight years.

In November, Zemeitus admitted to extortion and larceny charges in a scheme to blackmail former Temple Israel Rabbi Barry Starr. In 2011, Zemeitus encountered Starr after responding to an online listing for sex with an older woman. When Zemeitus arrived at Starr’s home, he was greeted by the former rabbi who was wearing women’s clothing.

Starr gave Zemeitus $100 to remain quiet, but the he threatened to go public with underage sex allegations, which Starr denied happened and authorities found no evidence of.

In addition, Starr allegedly modified the checks given to him for the temple’s discretional fund and deposited them at higher amounts to accounts belonging to Zemeitus and his wife.

Starr faces charges for larceny and embezzlement for the alleged transactions with Zemeitus.