Criminal Attorney: Episode 6 - "A Fool for a Client"
Introduction
In the gripping final installment of Wondery's Criminal Attorney series, titled "A Fool for a Client," listeners delve deep into the downfall of Paul Bergrin, a renowned criminal defense attorney from Newark, New Jersey. This episode masterfully unravels Bergrin's meteoric rise, his entanglement in criminal activities, and the relentless pursuit by FBI Agent Shawn Brokos that ultimately leads to his conviction.
Paul Bergrin's Rise and Reputation
Paul Bergrin was no ordinary lawyer. Dubbed a "hotshot" in Newark, Bergrin built his reputation on unorthodox methods and an almost mythical ability to defend his clients successfully. His charisma and relentless pursuit of victory earned him a loyal fan base, unusual for someone in the legal profession.
"People believed in him. He had fans the way an entertainer or a sports figure might. That's unusual for a lawyer to have people in the community turn out the way they did for him."
— Henry Klingemann [03:42]
The Investigation Begins
Despite his outward success, suspicions about Bergrin's activities began to surface. FBI Agent Shawn Brokos initiated an investigation into a major drug ring in Newark, only to uncover startling evidence implicating Bergrin himself. The investigation revealed that Bergrin had crossed ethical boundaries, becoming entangled in the very criminal activities he purported to defend against.
The Second Trial
Bergrin's second trial was a pivotal moment. Fresh charges including money laundering, drug distribution, witness tampering, and murder were brought against him. The government's strategy was aggressive, and the trial gained significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the defendant.
"You'll hear about how witnesses were coached to lie. You'll hear about individuals who completely fabricated evidence. Statements against Paul Bergrin. That is fact. That is not fiction."
— Paul Bergrin [07:10]
Carolyn Velez’s Testimony
A turning point in the trial was the testimony of Carolyn Velez, a woman who had previously testified against her father in a separate case. Velez revealed how Bergrin manipulated her into lying on the stand to protect his interests. Her emotional recounting highlighted Bergrin's willingness to exploit vulnerable individuals to secure his wins.
"They wanted me to just like, say the lie and I would tell them the truth and they would kind of like, correct me, but with the wrong story."
— Carolyn Velez [12:39]
Showdown with Shawn Brokos
The courtroom became the battleground for a high-stakes showdown between Bergrin and Agent Brokos. Bergrin's aggressive tactics and manipulation attempts were met with Brokos's unwavering determination to expose the truth. Their confrontation underscored the deep-seated conflict between systemic corruption and the pursuit of justice.
"It's like your surroundings kind of disappear, and I'm just focused on him. And I think it was the same thing for him. He was. He's focused on me."
— Shawn Brokos [15:05]
Unveiling the Evidence
Crucial to Bergrin's conviction were the recordings from his birthday dinner at Fornos, where he discussed criminal activities openly. These recordings, coupled with testimonies from informants and former associates, painted a damning picture of Bergrin's involvement in orchestrating hits and distributing drugs.
"He wanted to do it with me. I said, no, Paul, for what? You went to law school to become a lawyer. Stick with that shit. Let me do what I have to do."
— Oscar Cordova [18:42]
Guilty Verdict and Aftermath
After days of intense testimony and mounting evidence, the jury found Paul Bergrin guilty on all 23 counts. The verdict marked the culmination of years of investigation and highlighted the fragility of even the most esteemed legal personas when faced with incontrovertible evidence.
"I think I sat there and just cried. A tremendous sense of relief, accomplishment. It was like all these things that we had gone through and worked so hard on for years."
— Shawn Brokos [22:02]
Impact on Others and Systemic Issues
Bergrin's conviction had far-reaching consequences beyond his own incarceration. The episode sheds light on the tragic fate of informants like Keemo McCray, whose involvement with law enforcement ultimately led to his untimely death. The narrative also touches upon the broader issues within the legal system, such as the exploitation of confidential informants and the need for reforms to prevent similar injustices.
"Chemo had decision-making power all along. He could have eaten that gun charge. Right. He could have done his five years in prison. He decided to cooperate. So at various stages, he has this decision-making ability."
— Shawn Brokos [27:18]
Conclusion
"A Fool for a Client" serves as a compelling exploration of ambition, corruption, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Paul Bergrin's story is a cautionary tale of how power and influence can lead to one's downfall when ethical boundaries are crossed. Through meticulous reporting and emotional testimonies, the episode underscores the complexities of the legal system and the human cost of its failures.
"He could have had anything, been anything. It might be that he believed he could walk between worlds indefinitely. He couldn't. All we know is that he chose a road that could only take him so far. And then he crashed."
— Brandon Jenks Jenkins [30:21]
Criminal Attorney concludes with reflections on justice and the enduring impact of Bergrin's actions on those around him, leaving listeners to ponder the true meaning of integrity within the legal profession.
Notable Credits
- Host: Brandon Jenks Jenkins
- Reporter: Matthew Nelson
- Producers: Chris Siegel, Stephanie Wachneen
- Voice Talent: Antonio Greco, Andrea Hernandez Miedez
- Executive Producers: Matthew Nelson, N'Eaton George, Lavender Marshall, Louie and Jen Sargent
Criminal Attorney is available on the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Join Wondery+ for early and ad-free access by visiting Wondery+.