Former J'lem police chief Shaham to be indicted

Indictment charges Nisso Shaham with fraud, breach of trust, indecent assault and sexual harassment.

By MELANIE LIDMAN, JPOST.COM STAFF
Jerusalem police chief Nisso Shaham 521 (photo credit: Marc Israel Sellem)
Jerusalem police chief Nisso Shaham 521
(photo credit: Marc Israel Sellem)
The Justice Ministry’s Police Investigations Department announced on Wednesday evening that they will submit an indictment against Nisso Shaham, formerly chief of the Jerusalem police, charging him with fraud, breach of trust, indecent assault and sexual harassment.
Shaham stands accused of abusing his position as a senior police officer to convince young, inexperienced policewoman to engage in sexual relations with him.
The indictment states that all relations were consensual but were not in accordance with proper practice within the police department. The indictment states that Shaham specifically targeted four young policewomen of low ranking. A Justice Ministry spokesman said Shaham cooperated with the investigation.
On July 26, the Police Investigations Department announced that it had conducted a months-long undercover probe against Shaham and suspected him of sexual harassment, indecent assault and improper sexual relations.
Shaham went on forced leave pending the completion of the investigation and later resigned.
Zion Precinct head Dep.- Ch. Nissim Edri was also placed on leave in connection with his failure to report Shaham’s alleged sexual misconduct against the policewomen.
On August 2, the Justice Ministry transferred Edri’s case to the Jerusalem Police for an internal disciplinary hearing. The Police Investigations Department decided that Edri’s conduct did not warrant criminal charges.