Bond for man accused sexually abused boys

OMAHA, Neb. —

An Omaha man accused of sexually abusing boys for years, waived his right to a preliminary hearing during a brief court appearance Friday. A judge set his bond at $10 million.

Steven Danon, 65, has been charged with 12 counts of sexual assault of a child. His case will move straight to trial.

Here is video of Danon's arrest:

The investigation began when Omaha police were contacted by an alleged victim in September 2019. The individual stated that he had been assaulted by Danon from the age of 11. He stated that the abuse continued through adulthood and that Danon gave him money and drugs.

Omaha police were referred to another alleged victim. The second victim stated that he too had been abused by Danon, beginning when he was 11.

He stated that the abuse began when he awoke one night to Danon unzipping his pants and assaulting him.

The second alleged victim stated that the abuse continued for years and that Danon would pay him with cash, Xanax and marijuana. He said that Danon had given him $2,000 as recently as July 2020 in exchange for not disclosing the abuse.

Late Thursday, Omaha's Temple Israel sent an email to congregants confirming Danon worked as a teacher from 1988 to 2002, and again from around 2013 to 2016.

"During his employment, we had no reason to believe that he was engaged in sexual misconduct of any kind, " wrote Temple Israel leaders. "And yet, as the news articles have indicated, Mr. Danon’s alleged crimes went unreported for many years. Those courageous families who have come forward to share their traumatic experiences with the police are true heroes, and their willingness to do so has led to Mr. Danon’s arrest."

Temple Israel said it is working with Omaha's Project Harmony to hold a community conversation and address questions of parents.

In May 2021, a third alleged victim contacted Omaha police. He stated that he was calling because it had been a year since the first victim died, and he felt it was the right thing to do. The third victim told police he had also been abused by Danon, but didn't tell anyone because he felt embarrassed and emasculated. He told police that Danon "was a dangerous predator and would continue to groom and manipulate victims."

Gene Klein, executive director of Project Harmony says child victims of sexual assault know the person who assaults them.

"We think it is this stranger coming out of the bushes and grabbing children and that's how this happens. Many times, most of the time it's a trusted relationship and it's a gradual grooming process," Klein said.

Investigators believe there may be additional victims of Danon and ask that anyone with information contact the Omaha Police Department at 444-5636 or Crime Stoppers.