Federal judge denies bail to NJ lawyer for rap stars charged with plotting to kill witnesses
By David Porter, Gaea News NetworkSaturday, May 30, 2009
No bail for NJ lawyer charged with murder plot
NEWARK, N.J. — A federal judge has denied bail to a New Jersey attorney charged with scheming to kill witnesses.
U.S. Magistrate Madeline Cox Arleo issued a ruling Friday in the case involving attorney Paul Bergrin.
Bergrin is charged with murder, conspiracy and racketeering in a 14-count indictment. He could face the death penalty if convicted.
The 53-year-old Monmouth County resident is being held in a federal detention facility in Philadelphia. He had sought to be released on 24-hour home confinement with restrictions on computer and cell phone use.
Bergrin has represented rap stars Naughty By Nature, Lil’ Kim and Queen Latifah and a New Jersey soldier accused of mistreating Iraq prisoners at Abu Ghraib prison.
Veteran New York defense attorney Gerald Shargel (shar-GEL’) says Bergrin’s actions were within ethical boundaries.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — A federal judge has denied bail to a New Jersey attorney charged with scheming to kill witnesses.
U.S. Magistrate Madeline Cox Arleo issued a ruling Friday in the case involving attorney Paul Bergrin.
Bergrin is charged with murder, conspiracy and racketeering in a 14-count indictment. He could face the death penalty if convicted.
The 53-year-old Monmouth County resident is being held in a federal detention facility in Philadelphia. He had sought to be released on 24-hour home confinement with restrictions on computer and cell phone use.
Bergrin has represented rap stars Naughty By Nature, Lil’ Kim and Queen Latifah and a New Jersey soldier accused of mistreating Iraq prisoners at Abu Ghraib prison.
Veteran New York defense attorney Gerald Shargel (shar-GEL’) says Bergrin’s actions were within ethical boundaries.
Tags: Drug-related Crimes, Extortion And Threats, Indictments, N.j., National Courts, New Jersey, Newark, North America, Queen latifah, United States, Us-attorney-witness-killed, Violent Crime