Boy, 6, Lured to Empty Synagogue With Candy: Cops

A 25-year-old Rockland County man has been arrested on an attempted sexual assault charge after he allegedly lured a 6-year-old boy to an empty synagogue by promising him candy.

Authorities say Abraham Widenbaum, of Wesley Hills, allegedly approached the boy near the boy's front yard Wednesday evening, promised him candy and walked with him to a nearby temple that was unlocked. Widenbaum allegedly took the boy to an empty room, then told him to go get his friend and bring him back to the synagogue.

The boy left the temple and ran into his father, who had been looking for him. When the child told his father what had happened, the father called police. The suspect was no longer in the temple by the time authorities arrived.

Two days later, the boy's family called police to say they had seen the suspect walking on a road in the neighborhood. Police responded and arrested the suspect. He was charged with luring and endangering the welfare of a child in addition to attempted sexual assault.

Widenbaum was remained in lieu of $75,000. Authorities said he had no known connection to the temple where allegedly lured the boy.

It wasn't clear if he had an attorney.
 

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