Berwyn Attorney Denies 'Sex Tourism' Charges
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A 45-year-old Berwyn, Pa. attorney, who had been living in Russia and founded the Apogee Foundation to assist aspiring performing artists, has categorically denied he used his money, position, and influence to sexually abuse a child student at the Bolshoi academy in Moscow.
The jury has also heard from the victim in the federal trial.
The victim, now 24, married and living in Arizona, has testified he was sexually abused by Kenneth Schneider for years, beginning when he was just 12-years-old and living with Schneider who offered to help the cash-strapped parents. And the alleged victim says Schneider warned him about girls.
"He told me it's disgusting and I should probably stay away from girls because they would want to take advantage of me."
But, during questioning by his attorney, Schneider has denied that and all allegations he engaged in sex with the alleged victim.The defense contends the victim, through attorneys, demanded money in 2008.
(Attorney:) "Did you consider paying money to buy their silence."
(Schneider:) "Absolutely not."
(Attorney:) "And why not?"
(Schneider:) "Because it was outrageous, what they were alleging was completely untrue."
Schneider maintains he was simply trying to help a gifted young student.
Reported By Tony Hanson, KYW Newsradio
