Rabbi Rapes, Then Rebukes Daughter

A 27-year-old woman from Brooklyn, N.Y., took the stand against her father -- whom she claims molested her from age 9 to 16 -- and was coldly cross-examined by him. Rabbi Israel Weingarten questioned and scolded the young woman, claiming that her allegations were untrue and stating that if she'd actually been abused she would have told someone.

The rabbi also raised the ire of the judge. "You have already created a fairly untenable and horrific situation by your deciding to represent yourself," said Judge John Gleason. "Now, I'm not sure where this cross-examination is going, but I know you are not going to lecture this witness."

Even the rabbi's own counsel is stunned by his behavior. "Is it possible it could get any worse than this?" said Weingarten's legal adviser, Barry Rhodes. The rabbi faces up to 50 years if convicted. See Chick's LISA.