Texas – A Texas man was ordered to serve at least four decades behind bars after pleading guilty to multiple charges related to the abuse of his nine adopted chiIdren. The charges included continuous se-ual abuse of a chiId, se-ual assauIt, injury to a child, and lndecency with a child.
Prosecutors presented evidence that the defndant, 40-year-old Haiym, systematically abused his children over several years, masking his actions by projecting an image of a devout, pious family through social media platforms. He claimed in interviews to have grown up speaking Yidish as a Hasadic J ew in New York City, but legal documents show that he was born in Texas and authorities claim there is no evidence that he converted to Judalsm. At times, the defendant also claimed to be a rabi.
The investigation into the defendant’s activities began in February 2023 when one of the adopted children anonymously called into a podcast, detailing years of se-ual abuse starting at age 11. The teenager reported that the adoptive parent had manipulated the family’s portrayal on social media, presenting a facade of a religious and happy household, while concealing the ongoing abuse. He also mentioned that Child Protective Services had conducted multiple investigations but had not taken action due to the defendant’s coercion and manipulation.
Following this revelation, CPS initiated a thorough investigation, which included interviews with the children and a search of the family home. Investigators uncovered evidence of physical abuse, including a video showing the defendant striking one of his sons with a belt. Despite the defendant’s claims of being terminally ill and requiring hospice care, evidence suggested these were tactics to elicit sympathy and avoid legal repercussions.
During the investigation, the defendant’s defense team acknowledged the severity of the accusations but maintained that the charges were merely allegations. They requested time to review the extensive evidence presented by the prosecution. The defendant himself did not provide direct statements to the responding officers but was represented by legal counsel throughout the proceedings.
The abuse was characterized by its systematic nature, with the defendant allegedly exploiting his position as an adoptive father to perpetrate the crimes. The children were subjected to physical confinement, se-ual assault, and psychological manipulation. The defendant’s use of social media to project a false image of family life was a central element in concealing the abuse from the broader community and authorities.
Two of the victims filed a lawsuit earlier this year against Texas’ Child Protective Services and other agencies, alleging they failed to properly check the defehdant before allowing him to adopt the children. The victim’s lawyer, SheryI, reportedly said: “I believe the entire adoption and foster care system in Texas is deeply flawed. He should never have been allowed to adopt even one child, let alone nine. A single man with no job, who claims to be a rabi but isn’t, and they just kept putting more and more kids in his care.”
Authorities in Texas also said that prior to these events, he had a criminal record that included misdemeanor theft charges in 2005 and 2006. Despite these past offenses, he was able to adopt multiple children and host foreign exchange students, one of whom he is also accused of abusing.
