Criminal9/2/2026

Arrest of Suspect in Sexual Communications with Young Girls Extended by Five Days

The Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court extended by five days the detention of Erez Cohen, a 37-year-old resident of Holon. He is suspected of making sexual communications over the internet to four girls aged 9 to 12; Cohen maintains his innocence.

Key facts

•Suspect: Erez Cohen, 37, a resident of Holon
•Court: Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court
•Judge: Ra'anan Baruch
•Detention extension: five days
•Victims according to the investigative materials: four girls aged 9–12
•The case number and exact calendar date are not specified in the source

What He Is Suspected Of

As part of the investigation, police have already taken statements from four girls. Police believe there may be additional victims. A laptop was seized during a search of the suspect's home, and investigators later also obtained his mobile phone.

Why the Court Extended the Detention

Judge Ra'anan Baruch ruled, after reviewing the investigative materials, that there is reasonable suspicion of Cohen's involvement in the acts attributed to him. The court took into account the alleged danger to the public, first and foremost to children, as well as the concern that the investigation could be obstructed through the use of a computer or telephone and the possibility that there are additional victims. The police request was granted in part: the detention was extended by five days.

The Defense's Position

Attorney Omer Adiri argued that the specific suspicions were not presented to Cohen during his questioning, after which he exercised his right to remain silent. The defense proposed releasing him under restrictive conditions, including a ban or restrictions on internet use, since the computer and telephone are already in the investigators' possession.

What the Suspect Claims

Attorneys Isabel Fuchs and Omer Adiri stated that their client maintains his innocence. According to them, the investigation is at an early stage, Cohen provided investigators with the phone's passcode and the computer, and the defense expects the suspicions to be disproved. The source does not report that an indictment has been filed or that a final decision has been reached in the case.

What this means for you

Extending detention during the investigative stage does not mean that a person has been found guilty: the court examines only whether there is reasonable suspicion and whether grounds exist for continued detention. In cases of this kind, the court may take into account the risk to minors, the possibility of obstruction of the investigation, and the likelihood that additional victims may come forward.

Find a lawyer for this topic

Case analysis based on court rulings