Lakewood - Rabbi Pleads Guilty In Altercation With Police Officer

Lakewood - Rabbi Yosef Bursztyn, 63, whose altercation with police officer Erik Menck this year sparked protests in Lakewood's Orthodox Jewish community, has pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice in connection with the incident.
The rabbi pleaded guilty to the disorderly persons offense before a Superior Court Judge, who imposed $125 in fines.
Bursztyn admitted he failed to comply with a directive of the Officer on June 26 while Menck was performing an official function, court documents said.
Police said Bursztyn reached inside Menck's patrol car after the officer had stopped the rabbi's niece for allegedly tailgaiting another vehicle.
Bursztyn's arrest sparked protests in Lakewood's Orthodox community. Menck was cleared of any wrongdoing in the incident.