Oklahoma City rabbi pleads guilty to sex charges

<br>(Oklahoma City-AP) -- An Oklahoma City rabbi pleaded guilty Tuesday to charges of committing lewd acts with two girls and of sexual battery of a woman and a teenage girl. <br><br>Prosecutors say 66-year-old

Tuesday, March 25th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- An Oklahoma City rabbi pleaded guilty Tuesday to charges of committing lewd acts with two girls and of sexual battery of a woman and a teenage girl.

Prosecutors say 66-year-old Richard Marcovitz agreed to a 20-year sentence, including five-years that must be served in prison. His prison time can be reduced if he successfully completes a sex offender program.

Marcovitz pleaded guilty to eleven charges Tuesday as jury selection was to begin in his trial.

Marcovitz was accused of lewd acts with two girls ages 12 and 9 at a Jewish day school that was based at Emmanuel Synagogue in Oklahoma City.

He was also accused of sexual battery involving a teacher at the school and a 17-year-old girl who worked at the school.

Marcovitz has been on paid leave from the synagogue.