Criminal Attorney: Episode 2 – "Better Call Paul"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Criminal Attorney
• Host/Author: Wondery
• Episode: Better Call Paul | 2
• Release Date: September 23, 2024

Introduction: The Rise of Paul Bergren

In the bustling legal landscape of Newark, New Jersey, Paul Bergren has carved out a reputation as an unstoppable criminal defense attorney known for his unorthodox methods and impressive win rate. However, as his legend grows, so do the suspicions surrounding his practices. Episode 2, titled "Better Call Paul," delves deeper into the complexities of Paul's career, his confrontations with fellow attorneys, and the scrutiny from law enforcement.

Meeting Paul Bergren: The Beginning of Suspicion

The episode opens with Brandon Jenks Jenkins introducing John Edwards Tiffany, a fresh law school graduate working under Paul Bergren in Newark. John recalls his first encounter with Paul:

John Edwards Tiffany [00:56]: "Paul was well dressed. They looked at him. He cut a good impression."

At this initial meeting, Paul faces serious allegations from the U.S. Attorney's Office, accusing him of witness and evidence tampering. Specifically, they allege that Paul illegally recorded a witness interview and forged the witness's initials on the cassette tape submitted as evidence. The gravity of these charges threatens to derail Paul's career.

John Edwards Tiffany [01:43]: "It was amazing to watch his resolve, his ability to remain calm, cool and collective and never ever let anybody see his sweat."

Despite the severe accusations, Paul vehemently denies all charges. Over the next two years, Paul and his legal team work tirelessly to defend him, showcasing both his professional prowess and his personable nature.

John Edwards Tiffany [02:02]: "Paul is the type of guy that he's going to be thankful to anybody and everybody who had some sort of hand, even if it was someone down in the kitchen of the law firm, you know, cooking food on a Saturday for everybody if we're working on the case."

Unexpectedly, the U.S. Attorney's Office drops the charges, recommending an administrative dismissal. Paul attributes this to a key witness whose testimony swayed the prosecutor.

John Edwards Tiffany [03:48]: "There was no doubt in my mind, or at least very little doubt in my mind that this was retaliation. 100%. This was payback."

This dismissal fuels a vendetta between Paul and the government, setting the stage for future confrontations.

Paul Bergren's Meteoric Rise and Controversial Cases

Following the dismissal, Paul’s career flourishes. He builds a formidable practice, representing a diverse clientele—from police officers to robbers—often emerging victorious against seemingly insurmountable odds. His knack for winning high-profile cases only intensifies the rumors of his questionable methods.

Notable Case: Tony Gutierrez vs. Paul Bergren

In 2003, Tony Gutierrez, an experienced prosecutor from the Essex County Prosecutor's Office, faces Paul in a high-stakes attempted murder trial. The defendant, Norberto Velez, is accused of brutally attacking his estranged wife, leaving her with a collapsed lung. Gutierrez is confident of a conviction, boasting:

Tony Gutierrez [05:55]: "I'd say 90 or 95%. I thought I was gonna win or get a conviction."

However, Paul's strategies soon unravel Gutierrez’s case. A pivotal moment occurs when the key witness, Velez's 10-year-old daughter, alters her testimony under pressure:

Tony Gutierrez [12:35]: "Wait, what? Carolyn was now saying her mom came into her dad's house with her. Maybe she had heard him wrong."

This sudden change shifts the narrative, portraying Velez as acting in self-defense, ultimately resulting in a not guilty verdict against him. Gutierrez is left reeling:

Tony Gutierrez [14:14]: "Verdict, like the drama you see in the jurors. And as to the count, attempted murder, not guilty. As the count to aggravated assault, not guilty. I'm like, ugh, I can't believe it."

Paul’s ability to manipulate testimonies and defenses in seemingly unwinnable cases cements his reputation as a legal powerhouse, but it also attracts darker attention.

FBI Agent Shawn Brokos: Scrutiny Intensifies

Parallel to Paul's rising influence, FBI Agent Shawn Brokos becomes increasingly suspicious of Paul's methods. Through her confidential informant, Keemo McCrae, Shawn hears unsettling rumors about Paul's connections and potential corruption:

Shawn Brokos [18:28]: "Kimo said, 'Oh yeah, all the big guys go to Berggren because he gets everybody off.'"

Suspecting bribery and manipulation, Shawn begins to investigate Paul's activities, balancing her primary focus on dismantling Newark’s drug rings. Her investigation gains momentum as she targets drug kingpins like Will Baskerville.

The Arrest of Will Baskerville: A Turning Point

In November, Shawn orchestrates the arrest of Will Baskerville, a significant drug dealer. The operation unfolds as follows:

Will Baskerville [19:28]: "Well, I was in my home, basically in bed. I heard... somebody laying on my doorbell."

Shawn's team seize evidence of extensive heroin distribution and cash reserves in Will's home, leading to his immediate arrest. During interrogation, Shawn attempts to flip Will into a confidential informant, emphasizing the dire consequences he faces:

Shawn Brokos [21:03]: "We've got you by the balls. We've been investigating you for well over a year. We have you on audio, we have you on video."

Despite these efforts, Will refuses to cooperate without his attorney, Paul Bergren:

Will Baskerville [23:01]: "They gave me a call to be able to call Paul at the time."

Paul steps in, ensuring that Will exercises his right to legal counsel, which complicates Shawn’s investigation.

Intertwining Fates: Paul's Influence and Brokos' Dilemma

As investigations deepen, Paul’s connections within the criminal underworld become more evident. The episode highlights a critical moment captured through wiretapped conversations between Paul and drug kingpin Hakeem Curry:

Shawn Brokos [26:34]: "Paul Bergeron is talking to Hakeem Curry. They're talking about Will getting arrested and trying to piece together how this happened."

This discovery alarms Shawn, as it suggests Paul may be leveraging his legal prowess to shield his criminal associations. The threat escalates when Paul’s informant, Keemo McCrae, is placed in jeopardy:

Shawn Brokos [27:21]: "They knew that they were unsolved murders. They do not mess around. They will kill people."

Determined to protect Keemo, Shawn acts swiftly to relocate him, but the danger follows:

Shawn Brokos [28:02]: "We kept saying, you can't be in this area. They're gonna find you. You've gotta go somewhere else, you've gotta relocate."

The episode concludes with Shawn and Keemo on high alert, aware that their efforts to dismantle the drug network and uncover Paul's potential corruption are putting them in the crosshairs of a ruthless gang.

Conclusion: A Web of Deceit and Power

"Better Call Paul" intricately weaves the narrative of Paul Bergren’s legal genius and possible entanglement in criminal activities with Agent Shawn Brokos' relentless pursuit of justice. The episode sets the stage for an escalating conflict between a top-tier defense attorney and federal law enforcement, promising intense developments in the episodes to follow.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• John Edwards Tiffany [01:43]: "It was amazing to watch his resolve, his ability to remain calm, cool and collective and never ever let anybody see his sweat."

• Tony Gutierrez [05:55]: "I'd say 90 or 95%. I thought I was gonna win or get a conviction."

• John Edwards Tiffany [03:48]: "There was no doubt in my mind, or at least very little doubt in my mind that this was retaliation. 100%. This was payback."

• Shawn Brokos [18:28]: "Kimo say, 'Oh yeah, all the big guys go to Berggren because he gets everybody off.'"

• Shawn Brokos [26:34]: "Paul Bergeron is talking to Hakeem Curry. They're talking about Will getting arrested and trying to piece together how this happened."

• Shawn Brokos [28:02]: "We kept saying, you can't be in this area. They're gonna find you. You've gotta go somewhere else, you've gotta relocate."

Stay Tuned: To follow the unfolding drama between Paul Bergren and FBI Agent Shawn Brokos, subscribe to Criminal Attorney on the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. Listen to all episodes early and ad-free with a Wondery+ subscription.