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Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Rabbi accused in 2 slayings still not fit for trial, judge says

Rabbi Victor Koltun

GOSHEN — A Brooklyn rabbi charged in the killing of two men in Newburgh still isn't mentally ready for trial, a judge said.

Rabbi Victor Koltun appeared with lawyer, Paul Brite, on Tuesday in front of Orange County Judge Jeffrey Berry.

Prosecutors say Koltun was the mastermind in a murder-for-hire plot that led to the Nov. 4, 2010, shooting deaths of former Lloyd cop Francis Piscopo, 49, and his 28-year-old nephew, Gerald Piscopo.

Two other men pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges and are serving prison sentences.

Koltun has undergone five psychological evaluations, with mixed results. Brite told Berry on Tuesday the most recent evaluations found he was not competent.

The case against him can't proceed until he's found competent.

Berry ordered a four-month delay. Koltun is due to return to court on May 17.

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