Content warning: This article contains graphic descriptions of sexual violence
A 41-year-old man was indicted on Sunday for raping a woman he had arranged to meet for paid sex.
The State Attorney's Office filed an indictment against Michael Shein of Holon in the Tel Aviv District Court. The indictment charges him with two counts of rape, theft, making threats, and obstruction of justice. Each rape count carries a maximum sentence of 16 years in prison.
The prosecution requested that he be detained until the proceedings against him conclude, arguing that her work as a sex worker placed her in a vulnerable position, which Shein exploited to assault and rape her before stealing her money.
The prosecution announcement from Sunday reads, “These acts demonstrate that Shein has unrestrained sexual urges, lacks inhibitions and is violent, leaving no doubt as to the grave danger he poses.”
A motel meet-up goes horribly wrong
According to the indictment, Shein contacted the victim, ‘A’, on Telegram to arrange a meeting for paid sex. They later met at a motel in Bat Yam on October 11 at around 7:30 p.m., and after they finished, she grabbed her bag and made to leave the room.
Shein then violently grabbed her from behind with both hands, according to the indictment, pinned her to the bed, and raped her by vaginal penetration - all without her consent. She fought back, screaming and biting; he covered her mouth with his hand.
She then bit his finger. In response, Shein tried to smother her by covering her face with a pillow, and only removed it when she promised to do as he said. He then raped her again by oral penetration; she continued to fight him and bite him, specifically on his genitals.
Later on, Shein stole NIS 4,000 from her wallet and threatened a friend of hers, ‘B’, who arrived at the hotel room to help her friend. He held a club to the friend’s lower back and ordered her to leave the room.
Before police officers arrived on site, Shein also deleted the messages between him and the victim from Telegram, in what the prosecution described as an intent to obstruct justice.
Shein denied raping the woman or threatening her friend with a club during police questioning.
He was arrested on October 11, and his detention has been extended since.
During the first detention hearing, Shein’s lawyer said that his client suffers from mental health issues. In a subsequent hearing, his mother told the court that he is receiving treatment for depression and bipolar disorder, which she said “worsened” recently.
“He hasn't slept for a few days; he was very agitated, always yelling; there was no way to speak to him. I didn't recognize him,” she told the court.
His attorney requested a psychiatric evaluation. The judge ordered a more thorough psychiatric assessment during his detention, including obtaining information from the district psychiatrist.