N.Y. cantor accused of defrauding charities

Benny Rogosnitzky, a cantor at a prestigious Manhattan synagogue, is accused of scamming almost $500,000 from a charity, a longtime supporter and his soon-to-be ex-mother-in-law, the New York Daily News reported Feb. 14.

According to the report, a federal suit claims Rogosnitzky, known at Park East Synagogue for his “smooth charm and rich voice,” tricked a marketing director for the National Council of Young Israel and an education group, Gateways, out of more than $300,000.

Klara Ringel, whose daughter is embroiled in a bitter divorce with Rogosnitzky, said he deceived her into giving $132,000 to a corrupt charity, the Daily News reported.

According to the Daily News, Rogosnitzky, 36, claimed in court records that he is the victim. He said his estranged wife, Chana Ringel, and her family trashed his reputation, forcing him to leave the Jewish Center on the Upper West Side, where he’d worked for 13 years.

“These accusations are part of a smear campaign designed to apply pressure in a matrimonial dispute,” Andrew Moesel, a spokesman for the cantor, was quoted by the Daily News as saying. “Mr. Rogosnitzky fully intends to repay any business debts as soon as the divorce matter is resolved.” — ynetnews.com