Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson has responded to the controversy surrounding the swift release and subsequent departure from the United States of Israeli government official Tom Artiom Alexandrovich.
Alexandrovich’s release, which followed his arrest in a child sex sting, has led to criticism directed at Wolfson from various quarters, including Nevada acting U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah.
Critics online accused the government of intervening on behalf of Israel, a claim that the U.S. State Department has officially denied.
In an interview on Tuesday, Wolfson dismissed these allegations, asserting that much misinformation has circulated regarding the case.
He clarified that Alexandrovich’s bail, set at $10,000, was a standard amount and that it was pre-set by the court without any special release conditions.
Court records indicate that Alexandrovich, 38, posted bail on August 7—just one day post-arrest—and was released without a court appearance.
A cybersecurity official by profession, he was among eight men arrested during an August multi-agency sting operation aimed at apprehending individuals attempting to lure children for sexual purposes via technology.
On Monday, Chattah criticized the judicial process, stating that “a liberal district attorney and state court judge in Nevada FAILED TO REQUIRE AN ALLEGED CHILD MOLESTER TO SURRENDER HIS PASSPORT, which allowed him to flee our country.”
Chattah indicated that U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi expressed outrage over the situation, also reportedly reaching out to FBI Director Kash Patel about the case.
Wolfson, though not immediately commenting on Chattah’s post, reiterated during his interview the standard nature of the bail process in this case.
He indicated that he was unaware if Alexandrovich’s case had been presented to Chattah’s office.
“Everything was normal and above board,” Wolfson explained, stating that some of the other men arrested also posted bail quickly and were released following standard procedures.
Those who did not post bail immediately were required to appear before a judge for a probable-cause review, according to Wolfson.
Representing Alexandrovich are prominent Las Vegas attorneys David Chesnoff and Richard Schonfeld, who stated that any notion of special treatment for their client is “completely inaccurate.”
They emphasized that he was treated like any other individual arrested under similar circumstances.
Chesnoff insisted that their client would comply with all legal obligations and explore every legal avenue available to him.
Wolfson indicated that should prosecutors formally charge Alexandrovich and he does not return for court, a warrant would be issued for his arrest.
When asked about the feasibility of arresting Alexandrovich in Israel, Wolfson acknowledged existing extradition treaties with some countries but clarified he hadn’t researched that aspect yet as it hadn’t become necessary.
Wolfson noted the felony charge Alexandrovich and the others face is probation-eligible and can result in a prison sentence ranging from one to ten years.
In some cases, defendants may surrender their passports, as evidenced by the recent case of former teacher Michael “Luke” Atwell, who was accused of child sexual abuse.
Atwell’s attorney transferred his passport to a court official, demonstrating a standard practice for certain defendants.
Attorney Jess Marchese pointed out that he has dealt with cases involving international defendants, noting that some manage their cases remotely through the mail.
Another Las Vegas defense attorney, Ross Goodman, also shared insights, mentioning that defendants residing abroad can appear via video but are generally required for their sentencing hearings.
Goodman questioned the concern surrounding Alexandrovich’s potential return to Israel, asking, “What evidence is there that he’s a flight risk other than that he lives in another country?”
He suggested that if Chattah is truly concerned, she could pursue federal charges against Alexandrovich, potentially leading to a stiffer penalty.
Wolfson’s statements and the ongoing scrutiny over the handling of this case reflect broader tensions regarding due process and the release of defendants, particularly in sensitive cases such as those involving child exploitation.
The evolving narrative and public interest in Alexandrovich’s case may lead to further developments in both judicial and political arenas.
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