David Epstein, a popular professor at Columbia University in New York, was accused on Thursday of an incestuous relationship with a female relative.
According to court papers, the 46-year-old political science professor went to bed with the female relative for a period of three years. The relationship purportedly ended last year.
The Daily News reports defense lawyer for David Epstein, Matthew Galluzzo, stated, “We ask that everyone remember that he is innocent until proven otherwise and that these allegations are nothing more than allegations.”
Richard Hornsby, an spokesperson for Columbia University, said Prof. Epstein is “now on administrative leave and will not be teaching students.”
David Epstein was arraigned before a judge in Manhattan on a single felony count of incest. He was released on his own recognizance and faces up to four years in jail if he is convicted.
Sources indicate the victim was over 18 years old when the relationship started in 2006. David Epstein taught at Stanford, Harvard and blogged on The Huffington Post.
WPIX New York reported David Epstein had a relationship with his own daughter according to The Columbia Spectator. Epstein is married to another Columbia professor who teaches political science.
The American Spectator reports comments at the student newspaper website for Columbia University question why incest is illegal if the people involved are adults. Incest remains illegal in New York State.
Comments
With crimes like these no wonder there is a huge demand for Criminal Justice professionals get a degree from "United Forensic College"
You may want to say "daughter" instead of female relative. Stop covering up for mentally ill men!
Wow, this guy is a big Sarah Palin hater who thinks everyone not from the New York City tribe is a cracker redneck. Who's the degenerate now?