Podcast Summary: Criminal Attorney – Episode 4: "No Witness No Case"

Title: No Witness No Case | 4
Release Date: October 7, 2024
Host: Brandon Jinx Jenkins
Author: Wondery

Introduction

In the fourth installment of Wondery's riveting series Criminal Attorney, listeners delve deeper into the enigmatic world of Paul Bergrin, a renowned criminal defense attorney in Newark, New Jersey. As Paul’s reputation for securing acquittals grows, so do the suspicions surrounding his ethical boundaries. FBI Agent Shawn Brokos intensifies her investigation into Paul, uncovering a web of deceit, corruption, and criminal activities that threaten to unravel Paul's carefully constructed facade.

The Confession of Anthony Young

The episode opens with Agent Shawn Brokos recounting a pivotal moment in her investigation: her encounter with Anthony Young, a key informant. [00:00]

Shawn Brokos: "Sean had waited 10 months for any information about Keemo McCray's murder. But before Anthony was willing to go any further, before he was willing to give Shawn information she could act on, Anthony wanted something in return." [00:34]

Anthony's detailed account of the murder provided Shawn with critical insights, revealing his involvement as the getaway driver. His graphic descriptions left no doubt about his credibility:

Anthony Young: "He said, yeah, I remember making sure he was dead. And we stood over his body, and he's laying there with a cigarette still between his fingers and his dust mask. And if you look at the crime scene photos, that's exactly what it was." [01:42]

This confession was a significant breakthrough, confirming Anthony’s role in Keemo McCray's murder and linking him directly to Paul Bergrin’s criminal activities.

Paul's Takeover of New York Confidential

The narrative shifts to November 2003, a week after Thanksgiving, when Hakeem Curry identifies a snitch within his crew. Enter Paul Bergrin, who dramatically asserts his authority:

Paul Bergrin: "With the information Kimo had, if he testified against Will Baskerville, he was never coming home. No chemo, no case." [03:12]

Paul's intervention marks a turning point, as he takes control of New York Confidential, an escort service implicated in various criminal activities. Despite initial successes, the FBI's scrutiny intensifies as Paul's dual life becomes harder to conceal.

A New York Post article highlights Paul's ascendancy:

"Man of the Cat House, Pimp's Lawyer Takes Reins." [13:34]

Paul's management style and overt presence at New York Confidential escalate suspicions, ultimately leading to the establishment of New York Confidential Escorts, Inc., which quickly folded under negative attention.

The Betrayal of Mary and the Setback

Shawn Brokos faces a significant setback when her informant, Mary, betrays her trust. Initially pivotal in laundering money for Paul, Mary's credibility is shattered when she admits to pocketing funds:

Shawn Brokos: "We brought her right down to the arrest room. I said, 'You stole that money?' And she admitted to it." [22:30]

This betrayal undermines months of investigative work, forcing Shawn to abandon the money laundering angle and reconsider her strategy against Paul Bergrin.

Anthony Young: "I felt furious, like I'm being set up, take the fall, and they're gonna point the fingers and say it was all the black dude's idea. That black guy in his expensive suit, he's the one." [09:42]

Mary's actions not only jeopardize the case but also highlight the precarious nature of relying on informants within such high-stakes investigations.

New Leads and Renewed Investigation

Undeterred by the setback, Shawn receives a crucial tip from an NYPD detective connected to the New York Confidential case:

NYPD Detective: "He would lock his office door, have sex right there in his office. Not just occasionally, but very frequently. He was keeping the women in business, did a float. He was comping public officials. What defense attorney takes over a brothel?" [23:56]

This revelation reinvigorates Shawn's pursuit, providing the necessary evidence to frame Paul as the mastermind behind a sprawling criminal enterprise. The detective's account underscores Paul's deep entanglement in illicit activities, from money laundering to orchestrating criminal operations.

Additionally, John Edwards Tiffany, an associate of Paul, inadvertently reveals the extent of Paul's corruption during a private conversation at a company Christmas party:

John Edwards Tiffany: "As soon as they walked out of the courtroom, bang. The Newark police officer was hit with a grand jury Subpoena to testify for the grand jury on an ongoing investigation regarding New York Confidential." [27:37]

This interaction illustrates the imminent threat Paul faces from federal investigations, signaling that his empire is beginning to crumble under legal pressures.

Conclusion and Cliffhanger

As the episode concludes, Shawn Brokos stands on the brink of dismantling Paul Bergrin’s criminal network. The convergence of new evidence and relentless investigative efforts positions Paul for potential downfall. However, Paul's resilience and the intricate web of loyalties and betrayals within his circle leave the outcome uncertain.

Anthony Young: "We were able to get her on board and we learned from her how this really worked, who the individuals were that Bergrin worked with, and then we got to see the world of how big this really was." [30:39]

The stage is set for the next episode, promising further exploration into the high-stakes battle between Agent Brokos and the formidable Paul Bergrin.

Notable Quotes

• Shawn Brokos: "Can you prove this? I mean, your word is not going to suffice. Can you wear a recording device? Can you go in and have these conversations? Can you try and launder money?" [16:59]

• Anthony Young: "That's where she shined. She was able to get into Bergrin. She could talk the talk." [17:15]

• John Edwards Tiffany: "That's when I knew this shit hit the fan in a kind of a significant way." [27:56]

Key Takeaways

• Paul Bergrin's Dual Life: As a high-profile attorney and a clandestine criminal mastermind, Paul exemplifies the complexities of power and corruption.

• Investigative Challenges: Shawn Brokos navigates the murky waters of informant reliability and the inherent risks in taking down a well-connected adversary.

• Themes of Trust and Betrayal: The episode underscores the fragile nature of alliances within criminal investigations, where trust is a rare commodity.

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