LAKEWOOD, N.J. — A 40-year-old Lakewood yeshiva student and father of seven was released from the Ocean County Jail on Monday under New Jersey’s bail reform system, four days after being arrested and charged with attempting to lure a minor into a vehicle, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.
Binyomin Kubani was granted pretrial release under Level 2 monitoring following a detention hearing held July 7. His arrest on Thursday, July 3, sparked widespread protest within the Orthodox Jewish community, with supporters alleging a lack of due process and mishandling by law enforcement.
According to Assistant Prosecutor Gregory Lenzi, Kubani approached a 15-year-old boy at a car wash on Ocean Avenue and asked if he “would like to make some money,” allegedly while making an inappropriate gesture, as reported by the Asbury Park Press.
That gesture was allegedly the universal hand signal for masturbation.
The teen took a photo of Kubani and his van, alerted his mother, and flagged down a police officer, leading to Kubani’s arrest later that day.
Supporters of Kubani offered a different account. Reports on Matzav.com claim Kubani, who reportedly speaks limited English, had previously employed the teen and was simply asking if he could assist with carpet cleaning.
The incident has drawn strong reactions from local religious leaders and institutions.
Nearly 1,000 people gathered outside the Ocean County Jail in Toms River on Sunday, July 6, demanding Kubani’s release.
A statement from Beth Medrash Govoha, shared the same day, read: “We are shocked and horrified by the travesty and miscarriage of justice that has unfolded.”
Yosef Heinemann, CEO of Beth Medrash Govoha, was photographed embracing Kubani following his release.
The investigation remains ongoing. Kubani has not yet entered a plea.
