Is Ex-Prosecutor Accused of Trying to Arrange Witness Murders Now Cooperating with Feds?
After news that three co-defendants of a jailed New Jersey criminal defense lawyer have struck deals with the feds, observers are wondering whether attorney Paul Bergrin, 55, is cooperating, too.
Bergrin is accused in a racketeering case along with his reputed mistress, another attorney, and a former client of involvement in a criminal conspiracy. Bergrin is accused of trying to arrange for the murder of one witness and succeeding in plotting the slaying of another. Bergrin is a legend in Essex County, where he is also accused of involvement in a real estate scam and a drug operation, New York Magazine reports in a lengthy article detailing the accusations against him.
He was previously convicted of involvement in a New York prostitution ring.
Meanwhile, the other defendants—Yolanda Jauregui, attorney Thomas Moran and Vicente Esteves—have reportedly struck plea deals with federal prosecutors, and a number of observers are wondering whether Bergrin may do so, too.
“There’s some cases over at the U.S. Attorney’s office that might be coming from Paul,” an unidentified Essex County judge told the magazine, laughing when asked who might be worried about that prospect. “The question is, who’s not?” the judge says.
Earlier coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Judge Ends Probation in Brothel Case as Ex-Prosecutor Awaits Trial for Murder”
ABAJournal.com: “Ex-Prosecutor Tied to More Crimes Targeting Witnesses, Indictment Says”
ABAJournal.com: “3rd Circuit Says Ex-Prosecutor Accused of Plotting to Murder Witness Must Also Face RICO Charges”
ABAJournal.com: “When Is a Law Firm Allegedly Part of a RICO Criminal Enterprise? 3rd Circuit Explains”
