New Square Bochur Pleads Guilty

NEW SQUARE - Shaul Spitzer, 18, made a surprise plea deal today, admitting that he set fire to the home of Aron Rottenberg last May. Spitzer admitted to firebombing Rottenberg's home because Rottenberg refused to pray at the village's main synagogue. The incident left Rottenberg with serious burn injuries. Spitzer pleaded guilty to first-degree assault and will face five to 10 years in prison. He had been facing 25 years for attempted murder charges. A civil suit against Spitzer and the community's grand rabbi, David Twersky, was also settled. Spitzer is due back in court April 17 for sentencing.