Shaya “Yona” S. Lunger, 54, of Miami, Miami-Dade County, Florida, United States is a community activist originally from New York City, New York, USA. He has been married since August 16, 1992.
Lunger is the founder of Chesed of South Florida, a volunteer group that trains people for tasks including preparing bodies for Jewish funerals. After Joseph Raksin, an Orthodox rabbi from Brooklyn, New York, was fatally shot in North Miami Beach, Miami-Dade County in 2014, Lunger told CBS News, “I can’t walk to my own temple on a Saturday morning. This is why everybody’s upset.”
Yona Lunger
On March 25, 2026, Lunger was taken into custody by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office following an investigation into alleged lewd and lascivious conduct involving a 15-year-old girl. According to official arrest reports, the incident took place on March 19, 2026 at a residence in northeast Miami-Dade County.
Detectives state that Lunger entered the teenage girl’s bedroom and closed the door behind him. The report details a disturbing encounter in which he allegedly told the minor to “put away her sexy things,” specifically referring to her chest.
The victim informed investigators that Lunger proceeded to hug her and kiss her multiple times. In one specific instance, after kissing the teenager near her lips, he reportedly asked her to kiss him back before eventually leaving the room. The Special Victims Bureau of the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office noted that this was not an isolated commentary; Lunger had allegedly expressed a desire for the victim to turn 18 during several previous interactions.
Because of Lunger’s community involvement and nonprofit work, investigators expressed concern regarding his level of access to minors. The Special Victims Bureau was alerted to the incident on March 24, 2026. A formal interview was conducted with the teenager before proceeding with the suspect’s arrest the following day.
Lunger was charged with lewd and lascivious conduct on a child under the age of 16. During questioning, he denied all accusations, telling detectives, “It is all a lie.”
On the evening of March 26, 2026, Lunger was able to bond out of jail under the strict condition that he maintain no contact with the victim. He is represented by Bruce Lehr.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation to determine if there are other individuals who may have had similar experiences. They are urging anyone with information or anyone who may have been victimized by Lunger to come forward.
- Special Victims Bureau: 305-715-3300
- Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers (Anonymous): 305-471-8477
CONAN Daily 