A cult leader who was found guilty Tuesday of polygamy and numerous other offenses, but was acquitted on one count of slavery.
The Tel Aviv District Court found Goel Ratzon guilty on at least nine charges linked to family-related crimes.
Goel Ratzon, who fathered more than 40 children with numerous wives, was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Hebrew-language media quoted a number of the cult leader’s ex-wives expressing relief at the verdict and sentence.
Ratzon was arrested in January 2010 during a wide ranging sting operation that attracted huge attention in the Hebrew-language Israeli media.
“These were women with good careers, an attorney and other professional standard people,” New York-born immigrant Coby J. told Jewish Press.com on Tuesday afternoon.
“It is a story known to nearly all Israelis, one that has dragged on for years. It is a good thing he is being put away.”