Robert Deutsch

Robert Deutsch is an Israeli antiquities dealer, known for being accused and acquitted of forgery of several biblical archaeological artifacts including the James ossuary and the Jehoash Inscription.

Trial, acquittal and subsequent lawsuit

In 2004, Deutsch, Oded Golan and two others were indicted in a Jerusalem court on charges of forgery. The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) claimed that the four were part of a forgery ring that had been operating for more than 20 years, misleading collectors of biblical artifacts into purchasing modern day forgeries. Among the items allegedly fabricated were the James ossuary and the Jehoash Inscription.

In 2012, Deutsch was acquitted of all charges,[1] with the presiding judge severely criticizing the Israeli police's handling of the evidence.

Following his acquittal, Deutsch sued the IAA, its director Shuka Dorfman, the head of the IAA's anti-theft unit Amir Ganor, the Jerusalem District Attorney and Assistant district Attorney. Demanding $3 million in damages, the suit alleged gross negligence by the defendants.[2]

References

  1. ↑ Kalman, Matthew (May 21, 2014). "'Jehoash Tablet' Returns to Owner". Haaretz.
  2. ↑ "Antiques dealer sues Israel for $3 million after being acquitted of forgery charges". Fox news. December 3, 2013.


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