A rabbi accused of fondling a girl at a Miami Beach art gallery was ordered released from jail Tuesday on $50,000 bond.
As per the terms of his release, Steve Karro, 55, will be on 24-hour lockdown and is ordered to have no contact with children. He's been placed on house arrest and will have to wear a GPS monitor at all times.
Karro is an artist and a substitute rabbi at Shaare Ezra Sephardic Synagogue Congregation in Miami Beach. He's been charged with molestation of a child under the age of 12 and lewd and lascivious conduct on a child under 16.
According to the police report, Karro touched and grabbed the buttocks of an 11-year-old girl over her clothing, while she was visiting his art gallery at 738 41st Street.
The police report said Karro also kissed the girl along her neck after sitting her on her lap. The girl got visibly nervous and rushed out of the gallery.
Karro and the girl have known each other for five years and prior to the girl running away, he gave her a small bag of candy and told the girl to not tell her mother about what had happened, according to the police report.
"This is a horrible thing. It's very easy to make accusations, but the key thing is there's a presumption of innocence in this country and that's got to be honored," said Karro's lawyer, Jeffery Weiner.
Police said Karro denied some of the allegations and said the reason he touched the girl on her buttocks was for a "cleansing" because she was exhibiting negative energy.
"He is very strong. He knows that he is innocent of any wrongdoing," Weiner said.
Dozens of people went to court on Tuesday to show their support for the substitute rabbi.
"I've known him for many years. He is a good man and he didn't do anything wrong," a friend said.
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"I think when all the facts come out this case is going to be resolved in a way that's favorable to the rabbi," added Weiner
Karro's wife, Janet, has spoken out in defense of her husband.
"He does not know how to use molestation techniques. I say this as a wife, as his sex partner," said Janet Karro. "I believe that these charges were placed in order to defile his reputation."
The Miami Beach Police Department wants to identify any additional potential victims. Anyone who is aware of any suspicious contact between Karro and any other juveniles is encouraged to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.
