Several months ago, I was approached by a young man who told me that he was molested by a store-owner in Queens.

His story seemed very credible and I introduced his parents to Elliot Pasik, Esq. Together, we accompanied the victim and his parents when they presented their case to the Queens DA's office.

The victim and his parents very much wanted to protect their privacy, and were fearful of retribution from the molester, his family and friends.

Marjorie D. Fischer, the head of the Queens’ district attorney’s special victims unit, assured them that they would be protected in every way and the case moved forward.

The system worked.

There was no rush to arrest the alleged molester. Rather, he was served with papers, and retained a lawyer. He met with the DA, and later admitted to the crime he was accused of.

The Va'ad (Board of Rabbis) of Queens was magnificent. They fully supported the efforts of the victim and his parents -- on many levels. They were involved with this case from the beginning, attended court when the molester pleaded guilty, and immediately acted thereafter to remove him from ownership and/or presence in the store.

At today's hearing, the victim spoke softly but firmly, telling the court and his molester how terribly the abuse had affected him and he asked other abuse victims to step forward and get the help they need to resume their lives.

The judge, the Honorable Sheri Roman, reminded the members of the media and all present in the courtroom, that it is against the law to share any information that might lead to exposing the identity of the victim.

The molester is now under the very strict watchful eye of the DA's office and his treatments will be carefully supervised. He was also informed that he will face immediate jail time and have the benefits of his plea removed should he not fully comply with every part of his treatment and supervision, or if he makes any attempt to contact the victim or his family.

The system worked and our children are safer today as a result.

Recommended reading:

The Monster Inside

Safe and Secure

Human Problems

Why Avrahom Mondrowitz Must Be Extradited

Why I Write Columns About Abuse

All Pain and No Gain

L'Maan Hashem -- What Will It Take?

Olam Hafuch Ra'isi

Could This Possibly Be True?

Deal With It

Don't Disturb the Party -- Ever Wonder What Our Children Are Thinking?