Paul Bergrin

Paul Bergrin, a former New Jersey federal prosecutor turned criminal defense lawyer, is accused of racketeering and plotting to kill witnesses. On May 20, 2009 he was arrested along with three others and indicted by a NJ federal grand jury.

Bergrin was charged with fourteen counts, including murder, racketeering, wire fraud and money laundering. Bergrin's attorney, Gerald Shargel, told CNN that Bergrin would plead not guilty to all charges.CNN: Former Prosecutor, Charged with Murder (May 20, 2009) On May 29, 2009, Bergrin was denied denied bail.Salon.com: No bail for NJ lawyer charged with murder plot (May 29, 2009)

On May 20, 2009 Paul Bergrin was taken into custody and indicted on charges involving a racketeering conspiracy, including wire fraud, money laundering and attempts to shield criminal clients from prosecution. The charges also included "the murder of a witness in a drug case and an attempt to hire a hit man in another drug case."CNN: Former Prosecutor, Charged with Murder (May 20, 2009)

Federal prosecutors claim that Bergrin allegedly disclosed the name of a FBI confidential informant, while representing William Baskerville in his 2007 trial. According to the prosecutors, Bergrin revealed McCray's identity to Baskerville's cousins, who then reportedly hired a hit man. Baskerville was convicted of ordering the execution of Kemo Deshawn McCray.Star Ledger: Indicted for Alleged Role in Killing of Informant (May 20, 2009)

The May 2009 indictment also alleges that Bergrin hired a Chicago hit man "to kill at least one witness in a Monmouth County drug case."Star Ledger: Indicted for Alleged Role in Killing of Informant (May 20, 2009) According to authorities, the murder never occurred because the hit man was actually a government informant.Star Ledger: Indicted for Alleged Role in Killing of Informant (May 20, 2009)

On May 4, 2009, Bergrin pleaded guilty in New York State Supreme Court for conspiracy to promote prostitution through NY Confidential. Bergrin took over management of the call-girl ring after the $1,000-per-hour escort service founder, and Bergrin's former client, Jason Itzler, was arrested and sent to prison. In exchange for his guilty plea, Bergrin was sentenced to up to three years' probation and and a $50,000 fine. Because Bergrin did not plead guilty to a felony he does not automatically forfeit his law license.Star Ledger: Jersey Lawyer Admits Role in Call-Girl Ring (May 5, 2009)