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NJ therapist accused of sexually exploiting 16-year-old boy

NEW YORK -- A New Jersey child therapist has been accused of sexually exploiting a 16-year-old former patient.

Elliot Halberstam, 38,was arrested Tuesday on charges he enticed the boy to take sexually explicit photos and videos of himself.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara says the Bergenfield, New Jersey, man violated the trust of his former patient in the "worst way imaginable." Prosecutors say he groomed the victim through numerous emails and text messages.

He is charged with coercing and enticing a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, sexual exploitation of a child and receipt of child pornography.

He was ordered held without bail at a hearing in federal court on Tuesday.

It's unclear if he has an attorney who could comment on the charges.

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