Ex-prosecutor gets time served for running NYC brothel, still faces NJ witness-murder case
By APTuesday, October 20, 2009
Ex-prosecutor sentenced for running NYC brothel
NEW YORK — A prosecutor-turned-defense lawyer won’t go to jail for running a Manhattan brothel but remains behind bars as he awaits trial on charges of arranging a witness’ killing in New Jersey.
Paul Bergrin said nothing as he was sentenced Tuesday to time served in the prostitution case. He was accused of taking over an escort service founded by one of his law clients.
Federal prosecutors claim that the 53-year-old attorney used threats, bribes and even murder to discourage witnesses from testifying. They allege that Bergrin passed the name of an informant to associates of a client in a drug case. The informant was shot to death on a Newark, N.J., street in 2004.
Bergrin has pleaded not guilty to murder, conspiracy and racketeering in the New Jersey case.
