Criminal Attorney: Episode 1 – "The Devil’s Bargain"

Published on September 23, 2024 by Wondery

Introduction

Criminal Attorney is a gripping podcast series by Wondery that delves into the shadowy intersection of law and crime in Newark, New Jersey. The series centers around Paul Bergren, a renowned criminal defense attorney whose unconventional methods have earned him a stellar reputation. However, as his success grows, so do suspicions about his true intentions and possible criminal activities. In the premiere episode, "The Devil’s Bargain," listeners are introduced to both Paul Bergren and Shawn Brokos, an FBI agent intent on dismantling a major drug ring and uncovering the truth about Bergren's involvement.

Background on Paul Bergren

Early Career and Rise to Prominence

Paul Bergren's journey began as a young prosecutor in Essex County, Newark. Renowned for his relentless pursuit of justice, Paul quickly built a reputation for winning difficult cases. John Edwards, a fellow attorney, remarks on Paul's tenacity:

"I think Paul won every case that he tried. He was ruthless, he was unwavering." (06:12)

His impressive track record led to his recruitment by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Newark, a significant step up from his previous position. Despite his achievements, Paul always felt like an outsider among his Ivy League-educated colleagues. He humorously recounts:

"I didn't really fit in with the other attorneys, the high achieving Ivy League types. I had gone to Nova Southeastern, a small law school in Florida, and reportedly hung up a Playboy calendar in the office instead of a diploma." (07:28)

Controversial Trial and Downfall

Paul's career took a tumultuous turn during a high-stakes trial presided over by Judge Marion Trump, Donald Trump's sister. He shockingly chose to testify on behalf of two corrupt homicide detectives he previously worked with, defending their integrity despite overwhelming evidence against them. Edwards highlights the gravity of Paul's actions:

"You're a sitting U.S. attorney, and now you're not only injecting yourself into the mix of a case, you're injecting yourself into a mix of a case to provide testimony that potentially is going to be beneficial and could lead to an acquittal of a defendant who's being prosecuted by the very office that you're employed. When you look at it, it's mind-blowing." (09:04)

Paul's loyalty to these detectives cost him dearly. Despite his efforts, the detectives were convicted on multiple charges, and Paul faced severe repercussions. He was relegated to a minor office space, stripped of his caseload, and eventually resigned in anger and bitterness towards the federal system. This pivotal moment marked his transition from a respected prosecutor to a formidable private defense attorney.

Establishing Private Practice

Paul relocated his practice to the modest Dollar Savings Bank building in Newark, distancing himself from his former prestigious environment. He vowed to defend his clients with unwavering commitment, regardless of the cost. At a community event, Paul states:

"I'm here to serve you. I mean, this is the system that's supposed to protect the good, the bad, the strong, the weak, the rich, the poor. And you come to realize that it really doesn't work like that." (12:36)

His deep understanding of the legal system, combined with his connections to corrupt individuals, allowed Paul to manipulate cases to his clients' advantage. He built a network of informants, including an assistant prosecutor with gambling issues and dishonest cops, ensuring he had insider information to win cases. Paul's clientele expanded to include high-profile figures like celebrities and gang leaders, cementing his status as Newark's most formidable defense attorney.

Background on Shawn Brokos

From Banker to FBI Agent

Shawn Brokos's career path was unconventional. Originally overseeing loan qualifications at a bank in El Paso, her encounter with federal agents investigating money laundering ignited her passion for law enforcement. Inspired by the complexity and intrigue of FBI work, Shawn made a decisive career shift:

"I literally walked down to the local FBI office. I put my name in, filled out an application, and before I knew it, I was off to Quantico for training for the FBI." (16:22)

After completing her training, Shawn became a dedicated FBI agent, specializing in gang-related investigations in Newark's volatile environment. Her role placed her directly in the heart of criminal activities, dealing with notorious gangs like the Bloods and the Crips.

The Threat from Paul Bergren

On a seemingly ordinary summer evening, Shawn's life took a dramatic turn. While relaxing with her girlfriend, she received a distressing call informing her that Paul Bergren had been captured discussing Shawn, implying a threat against her:

"All I knew is he had mentioned something about getting rid of me, something like that." (01:56)

This was the first time Shawn, with 13 years in the FBI, had a direct threat against her. Determined not to be intimidated, she faced the situation head-on, refusing to vacate her home despite FBI orders. Paul’s reputation for making real threats rather than empty ones was well-known:

"If Paul asked you to do something. It wasn't a request, it was an order." (03:31)

This incident set the stage for the escalating tension between Shawn and Paul, marking the beginning of their complex and dangerous relationship.

Shawn's Operation: Recruiting Kimo McCray

Meeting Kimo

Determined to dismantle the drug ring, Shawn identified Kimo DeShawn McCray, a known figure with criminal ties, as a potential informant. Kimo, involved with the Crips and possessing insider knowledge, was instrumental in Shawn's strategy to infiltrate the gang:

"This guy Will knows that I've been buying from one of the housing projects and told me I can get crack heroin from him. I don't have to buy from these lower level guys. I can just go directly to him." (26:55)

The Informant Strategy

Shawn's plan hinged on utilizing Kimo's connections to gather intelligence on higher-level criminals like Will Baskerville. By integrating Kimo into her operations, Shawn aimed to climb the criminal ladder, gathering critical evidence to take down major players. Their interactions were professional yet tense, with Shawn maintaining strict control over the operation:

"You can either join our team, become part of team government, which means you're going to help us in our investigations. If you decide against that, you do know that I will have to arrest you for being in possession of this weapon." (20:54)

Operational Tactics

Shawn and Kimo developed meticulous tactics to ensure successful operations while minimizing risks. This included safe words to signal danger, detailed debriefings after transactions, and maintaining constant communication. Their routine became second nature, allowing them to execute high-stakes deals with efficiency:

"We grab the drugs off of him right away, shut off the recording device, and then debrief him, you know, what did you see? What did you hear? How'd it go? What's going on. Take the drugs back, test them. And off we went. It became just like a routine to us. We did a lot of those." (25:42)

Challenges and Risks

Despite their organized approach, unforeseen challenges arose. Personal elements, like Kimo bringing his beloved dog Chemo to operations, added emotional complexities to their missions. These factors sometimes jeopardized their work but underscored the human side of law enforcement's battle against crime:

"But she couldn't tell Keemo not to bring him, or she'd risk losing a chance to send Chemo out for a buy." (26:10)

Climbing the Criminal Ladder: The Will Baskerville Operation

Introducing Will Baskerville

As Shawn and Kimo progressed, they aimed higher, targeting Will Baskerville, a formidable drug lord. Capturing Will was pivotal for the FBI's broader strategy to dismantle the criminal network. However, Will's defenses were robust, posing significant challenges:

"Shawn wanted to flip Will so she could aim her sights even higher." (27:36)

Heightened Stakes and Increased Risks

Engaging with Will Baskerville introduced new levels of danger. Their interactions required more sophisticated surveillance and risk management, especially as Will grew suspicious of potential informants:

"The buys from Will became a regular thing. Kema would purchase at least 5 grams of crack cocaine. That was the threshold to get Will on a high mandatory minimum sentence." (27:36)

A Close Call

During a critical operation, Shawn and Kimo faced a near-disastrous encounter when Will suspected Kimo of being a snitch. Through Kimo's charisma and quick thinking, they narrowly avoided exposure and potential violence:

"He said, 'I know you're a snitch.' Will really gave him hell and thought he was a snitch, and he wasn't wrong." (28:26)

Kimo's ability to defuse the situation underscored his essential role in the operation, but also highlighted the constant peril they navigated:

"He was so likable and gregarious. He could tap dance. He could do that tap dance where a lot of people, I think, would be really, really nervous." (29:13)

The Collision Course: Shawn vs. Paul Bergren

The Unexpected Clash

As Shawn prepared to arrest Will Baskerville, an unexpected twist emerged—Paul Bergren was Will's defense attorney. This revelation marked the impending confrontation between Shawn and Paul, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle of wits and wills:

"Will Baskerville's lawyer was Paul Bergren, criminal attorney. And what she would soon learn is that Paul would do anything to keep his clients out of jail, no matter the cost, no matter who got in the way." (29:04)

Implications of Paul's Involvement

Paul's involvement meant that Shawn's meticulously gathered evidence and efforts could be undermined by his legal maneuvers. Paul's expertise and connections posed a significant threat to Shawn's mission, introducing a personal vendetta into the professional conflict:

"Paul would go to great lengths to protect his clients." (29:04)

Notable Quotes

• Paul Bergren on the Legal System:

  "I mean, this is the system that's supposed to protect the good, the bad, the strong, the weak, the rich, the poor. And you come to realize that it really doesn't work like that." (12:36)

• Shawn Brokos on The Devil's Bargain:

  "So go to jail or become an informant and risk your life trying to infiltrate a ruthless drug gang." (21:17)

• John Edwards on Paul's Integrity:

  "Loyalty is really blind." (03:37)

Conclusion

Episode 1 of Criminal Attorney, "The Devil’s Bargain," masterfully sets up the intricate dynamics between Shawn Brokos and Paul Bergren. Through a detailed exploration of their backgrounds, motivations, and early interactions, the episode lays the foundation for a compelling narrative of power, corruption, and the relentless pursuit of justice. As Shawn edges closer to taking down one of Newark's most dangerous criminals, Paul Bergren emerges as a formidable obstacle, promising a riveting clash in the episodes to come.

Listeners are left eagerly anticipating the unfolding drama as Shawn and Paul navigate their respective paths, each determined to emerge victorious in their high-stakes game.

Stay Tuned

To follow the escalating saga between Shawn Brokos and Paul Bergren, tune into the next episodes of Criminal Attorney on the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform. Join Wondery+ for early access and an ad-free experience by starting a free trial here.