Rabbi Peter Schaktman, 66, and seven others were arrested in a New York undercover sting for allegedly seeking sexual contact with a minor.

Updated on: Sep 3, 2026, 22:51:23 IST

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Peter Schaktman, a rabbi from Utica in New York State, was arrested, along with seven others, in an undercover sting operation against adults seeking to engage in sexual acts on children.

According to New York State Police, Rabbi Peter Schaktman, 66, was talking to an undercover agent posing as a 14-year-old girl. The arrests took place in a New York State Police operation on August 27 and August 28. All eight suspects, including the rabbi, allegedly tried to engage in sexual contact with a girl under the age of 15.

CNY Central reported on August 31 that one of those arrested was Rabbi Schaktman. The 66-year-old was associated with Temple Emanu-El synagogue in Utica. Since his arrest, Peter Schaktman has been suspended by the Temple Emanu-El.

In a statement, the Temple said they are "deeply troubled by the serious criminal charges involving Rabbi Peter Schaktman."

"We recognize the sadness, confusion, anger and many unanswered questions this news may create for members of our congregation and the broader community," the statement read. "Our thoughts are with all those who may have experienced harm, and with their loved ones."

Who Is Rabbi Peter Schaktman?

Rabbi Peter Schaktman has been identified as originally from New Hartford in New York State. A video of the arrest was also shared by a social media content creator which showed New York police officers taking Rabbi Schaktman away following his arrest. Schaktman and the seven others have been charged with attempted rape.

Here's the video:

According to the website of Temple Emanu-El in Utica, his teachings focused on teaching, pastoral care, worship and community. He was listed as a Rabbi on the website for most of 2026. Funeral records show that he was involved in the Temple's day-to-day pastoral care work, including a funeral that he presided on record in February 2026.

His biography on the website, which has now been removed, shows that before Utica, he served as a rabbi in Texas, Louisiana, New York City and even Hawaii. He reportedly received his rabbinical indoctrination from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion back in 1989.

Rabbi Peter Schaktman is currently being held at the Onondaga County Justice Center.

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