MIAMI – A Miami-Dade County judge has granted bond for a Miami Beach substitute rabbi facing child molestation charges.
Bond was set Tuesday morning for Steve Karro, 55, at $50,000.
Karro was first arrested May 28 after he inappropriately touched an 11-year-old girl while they were at his Karro Art Gallery in April, police said.
According to an arrest report, Karro, who is a substitute rabbi at Shaare Ezra Sephardic Congregation, intentionally grabbed the buttocks of the victim. Police said Karro also kissed the girl’s neck after sitting her on his lap. Karro and the victim have known one other for five years.
Karro was re-arrested last week after he was mistakenly released because of a paperwork error. He spoke to Local 10 News after his initial release, denying the allegations and saying that he felt sorry for the girl.
A woman who didn’t identify herself said she has known the rabbi for many years.
“He’s a good man,” she said. “He didn’t do anything wrong.”
Under the terms of his release, Karro will be fitted for an ankle monitor, may not have contact with the alleged victim or any unsupervised contact with children and won’t be allowed to work at his art gallery.
“I think when all the facts come out this case is going to be resolved in a way that is favorable to the rabbi, who enjoys an impeccable reputation,” Karro’s attorney said.
