Below is a letter addressed to the Circuit Court of Baltimore city requesting that Mr. Steen not be released while he awaits trial.
Your signature will help us show the courts that our community prioritizes the safety of children and does not support alleged abusers.
To the Honorable Judge of the Circuit Court for Baltimore City,
As members of the Baltimore Jewish community, we feel compelled to address the recent habeas corpus petition filed on Mr. William Steen's behalf. We are disgusted by the heinous crimes that Mr. Steen has allegedly committed and we find the request for his release back into the community deeply concerning.
The petition filed by the defense proposes that Mr. Steen reside at a location in close proximity to the Ner Israel Rabbinical College campus and Woodholme Elementary School. The Ner Israel campus includes a boy's high school dormitory and a residential area where many young families reside. Through employment or attendance of religious services, Mr. Steen could easily gain access to children on campus.
We are also shocked and concerned that Rabbi Shraga Neuberger, a professor at Ner Israel, described Mr. Steen as "honest and dependable." It is clear to us from the disturbing evidence found that Mr. Steen is neither honest nor dependable. He has betrayed the trust of many in our community. Without the support and encouragement of Rabbi Shraga Neuberger, Rabbis, and staff at Ner Israel, individuals will be hesitant to report any violations. This could make restrictions placed on Mr. Steen's release extremely difficult to enforce.
We would like to reiterate that our community does not stand behind Mr. Steen or any other alleged criminals and abusers. We believe that granting Mr. Steen bail will jeopardize the safety of many children and minors in the area, and, therefore, respectfully request that Mr. William Steen not be granted pretrial release.
