Jury deliberations start in rabbi’s ‘divorce team’ trial

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- Jury deliberations have started in the case of an Orthodox rabbi accused of using brutal tactics to force unwilling Jewish men to divorce their wives.

Closing arguments in the case concluded Wednesday afternoon, and jurors started their discussions shortly before 3 p.m. They deliberated for about 90 minutes, but did not reach a verdict.

Rabbi Mendel Epstein faces charges of conspiracy to commit kidnapping and attempted kidnapping with his son and two other Orthodox rabbis. Prosecutors say the charges stem from a staged kidnapping in 2013 and three other forced divorces.

Prosecutors say the rabbi's team used brutal methods and tools, including handcuffs and electric cattle prods, to torture the men into granting divorces.

Stahl's lawyer has acknowledged that some crimes may have been committed, but he says the 69-year-old Epstein was not part of a kidnapping conspiracy.

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