Nassau County Police issued Village of Kings Point Deputy Mayor David Harounian a summons for harassment this week, following allegations that he made unwanted sexual advances towards a woman during Saturday services at Temple Israel of Great Neck.
Harounian, 74, allegedly made sexual comments towards temple-goer and Great Neck resident Joanna Cronin, 43.
After Cronin went to police, Harounian was given a court summons for harassment in the second degree.
Cronin’s attorney, Marvin Kornberg, said multiple people witnessed Harounian’s actions during the temple services, and alleged that Harounian made sexual comments and forced Cronin’s “own hands to her breasts, touching her breasts during services.”
“My client is looking for the actions to be appropriately dealt with by the people of the state of New York,” Kornberg said.
Harounian’s attorney Mel Roth rejected the allegations, saying Harounian had never harassed Cronin.
“They’re not true at all. They’re completely baseless. Never happened. We’re going to fight it vigorously in the courts,” Roth said. “I don’t know where she’s getting these allegations from.”
Harounian and Village of Kings Point Mayor Michael Kalnick did not return a request for comment.
Temple Israel is looking into the incident, the temple’s President Alan Klinger said in an interview.
“Temple Israel is a place where everyone should feel welcome and be comfortable, and we take allegations of improper conduct seriously,” Klinger said. “At this stage, we are looking into allegations that have been made by one congregant against another congregant, and if appropriate, we will take further action.”
Temple Israel’s Rabbi Howard Stecker said he could not comment on the incident, describing it as “sensitive.”
Nassau County Police public information officer Vincent Garcia said the department could not provide a copy of the summons, but confirmed its issuance.. Harassment in the second degree is a violation, in the same legal class as offenses like trespassing and disorderly conduct.
Harounian, a longtime member of the village’s board of trustees and the owner of the rug design and manufacturing company Harounian Rugs International, is scheduled to appear in court Thursday.
