Former Temple Israel Rabbi to Face Larceny Charge

A former rabbi at Temple Israel of Sharon will face a larceny charge.

Rabbi Barry Starr’s indictment was unsealed Tuesday and he will be arraigned on one count of larceny over $250. He was not present at Norfolk Superior Court and will be summoned according to the Boston Globe.

Also arraigned was Nicholas Zemeitus, 30, of Quincy on seven counts of larceny over $250, two counts of receiving stolen property over $250, one count of larceny under $250, and one count of extortion. The charges were announced by the Norfolk District Attorney’s office Monday.

Zemeitus is accused of threatening to make allegations of a sexual relation between Starr and a teenage boy public. Court records say Starr paid up to $480,000 for Zemeitus’ silence.

While no evidence of the described relationship has been discovered, Starr’s computer showed that he posted regularly on Craigslist in search for transexual escorts according to court documents.

Money for Zemeitus allegedly came from the rabbi’s discretionary fund and long-time members of the temple.