Former Iowa Hillel director pleads not guilty to sexual abuse
David Weltman pleaded not guilty to the charge of second-degree sexual abuse in a written arraignment. His trial date is set for January.
The Daily Iowan; Photos by James
The Johnson County Courthouse as seen on 12 Sept. 12, 2017. (James Year/The Daily Iowan)
October 9, 2019
The former Iowa Hillel director who was accused of sexually abusing a 9-year-old boy on Sept. 19 has plead not guilty to the charge of second-degree sexual abuse.
David Weltman, 29, of Skokie, Illinois, waived his right to an arraignment, choosing instead to sign a written arraignment with his plea on Monday. He also waived his right to a speedy trial.
A case management conference will take place at 11 a.m. Dec. 6 at the Johnson County Courthouse. A jury trial has also been scheduled for 9 a.m. Jan. 28 at the Johnson County Courthouse.
At the case management hearing, Weltman may either reaffirm his not guilty plea or change the plea, according to court documents.
RELATED: After sexual-abuse allegations, former Iowa Hillel director no longer a Hillel employee
According to the criminal complaint against Weltman, he sexually abused a 9-year-old boy during Hebrew lessons at the Hillel House sometime between February and March. Weltman took the boy to a different room, the complaint said, and put his hands down the victim’s underwear.
Officers interviewed a former acquaintance of Weltman’s, the complaint said, and the acquaintance said Weltman admitted to being sexually attracted to boys ages 7 to 12. Weltman also confessed to watching films featuring nude children.
After Weltman was accused of sexual abuse, Matthew Berger, vice president of communications for Hllel International, confirmed in an email to The Daily Iowan that Weltman was no longer an employee of Iowa Hillel.
Second-degree sexual abuse is a Class-B felony.
