Religious educator fired following arrest in child porn sweep
By News Staff
A Temple in Barrington is reacting after finding out its Education Director was arrested on child porn charges.
Gary Kabler, a 51-year-old from East Providence who is the Director of Education and teacher at Temple Habonim, was one of 11 arrested in a statewide sweep announced Tuesday.
Rabbi Andrew Klein and Lisa Shea, President of The Board of Trustees, issued this statement:
Temple Habonim is shocked and saddened to be informed by the Rhode Island State Police that our Temple Education Director, Gary Kabler, was arrested on Tuesday morning, May 12, 2015, by Rhode Island State Police for allegations of possessing and sharing child pornography.
Upon learning this information Kabler’s employment was immediately terminated by Temple Habonim. Protecting our community is our first priority, and toward that end an immediate No Trespass Order has been issued against Gary Kabler; he is not allowed to enter or be near the premises.
We have offered our full cooperation to the Rhode Island State Police, and we will assist them in every way possible. Barrington Police Chief John LaCross has offered his full support and help with any needs that may arise for our community.
This is painful news for our congregation, and our main focus, as always, is to continue to safeguard our children and take the appropriate steps to attend to the needs of our entire congregation.
The congregation respectfully asks for privacy during this challenging time.
(C) WLNE-TV 2015
