Top Nazareth judge takes leave of absence over sex crimes investigation

Attorney General weighs criminal investigations, as charges allege judge committed sex crimes.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Judge Yitzhak Cohen of Nazareth (photo credit: Courtesy)
Judge Yitzhak Cohen of Nazareth
(photo credit: Courtesy)
Chief Justice of the Nazareth District Court, Judge Yitzhak Cohen, announced on Tuesday he would be taking a leave of absence, as an investigation into his possible involvement in a series of sex crimes is pending.
The judge informed Justice Minister Tzipi Livni of his decision to take his vacation early after Attorney-General Yehuda Weinstein said he was considering opening a criminal investigation into Cohen – who is also being considered for a position in the Supreme Court. 
Cohen did not announce when he would return to the bench, but has denied the allegations, calling them "baseless."
On Monday, Livni and Supreme Court President Asher Grunis met to discuss the case and the public outrage that has transpired.
The claims against him are based on testimony that alleges the judge sexually harassed family relatives while they were still minors.
The Attorney General has been deliberating with investigators whether to go forward with the investigation and press charges.