Scott Newman, a 51-year-old from Natick, faces charges for attempting to solicit sexually explicit images and acts from an individual online whom he believed was a 12-year-old girl. He engaged in sexually explicit conversations and encouraged sending images, all while under the impression he was communicating with a child. Authorities identified him through an undercover operation initiated by the Defiance Police Department in Ohio. Newman has connections to various communities and worked with children in his educational role, prompting his immediate administrative leave from Kerem Shalom synagogue.
Newman, 51, of Natick is charged with enticement of a child under 16 and attempting to commit a crime, the Middlesex County District Attorney's office said in a statement.
During their investigation, Defiance Police were able to identify Newman as the suspect and learned that the defendant worked in a role overseeing family education and leadership and likely worked in close proximity to children.
Rabbi Darby J. Leigh of Kerem Shalom told the Globe that Newman was placed on administrative leave 'immediately' when the synagogue learned of the charges Friday.
Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan said the case 'underscores' the dangers young people face online.
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