Witness Testimony In Vinny Gorgeous Trial Troubles Judge
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A Brooklyn federal judge says he's "extremely troubled" by a government witness' testimony that two defense lawyers informed their mobster clients about the whereabouts of a federal prosecutor in 2004.
Judge Nicholas Garaufis said Thursday he'll turn over the transcript to authorities who deal with ethical issues.
The testimony came this week from ex-Bonanno head Joseph Massino at the trial of convicted mobster Vincent "Vinny Gorgeous" Basciano.
Jurors are deciding whether to give Basciano the death penalty.
Massino alleged lawyers Murray Richmond and David Breitbart told their clients the prosecutor regularly dined at a Manhattan restaurant.
Massino testified that Basciano wanted to kill the prosecutor but the hit was called off.
Richmond said in court Thursday he didn't do anything wrong. Breitbart didn't respond to a request for comment.
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