Lawyer snagged in FBI sting pleads guilty to money laundering conspiracy
A former shareholder at Becker & Poliakoff in Florida targeted in an FBI sting pleaded guilty on Thursday to a federal charge of money-laundering conspiracy.
Lawyer Alan Koslow, 62, faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for taking $8,500 to launder money, the Sun Sentinel reports. He had been told the money came from illegal gambling and the sale of illegal narcotics and counterfeit Viagra.
The charge had no connection to Becker & Poliakoff.
According to the plea agreement, Koslow told the undercover agents “that the money was peanuts compared to what he makes as an attorney and he needed extra spending money to party with his friends.”
Koslow testified positive for cocaine after he was charged and entered rehab for 30 days in July. He is currently participating in outpatient treatment.
Prosecutors said they would likely recommend a sentence reduction because Koslow has provided substantial assistance in at least one other case.
Related article:
ABAJournal.com: “Lawyer resigns from well-known law firm after he is charged with money laundering conspiracy”