Rabbi accused of stealing school money pleads not guilty
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A rabbi accused of stealing about $1 million from a school he founded for children with special needs has pleaded not guilty to theft and corruption charges.
Rabbi Osher Eisemann's lawyer entered his plea during a court hearing Friday. He could face up to 20 years in prison if he's convicted of all charges.
The 61-year-old rabbi founded The School for Children with Hidden Intelligence in Lakewood. The school's fundraising foundation also is charged in the matter and has pleaded not guilty.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Authorities have claimed Eisemann misappropriated $979,000 in public tuition funds the school received. Included in that amount is a $450,000 payment allegedly made to an entity in New York to pay back-due taxes.
Eisemann's lawyer says that can account for all the money in question.