NYPD cops James Grant and Michael Harrington, charged last month with accepting favors from prostitutes and other gifts in exchange for police protection, were indicted Thursday and slapped with new charges that could mean more prison time if convicted.
A Manhattan federal grand jury handed down an indictment that hit the two cops with three new charges each — and four additional charges for their alleged co-conspirator, Brooklyn businessman Jeremy Reichberg.
With the indictment, Harrington and Grant could now face as many as 40 years in prison, up from the 20 they faced when initially charged just a few weeks ago.
Reichberg, accused of once paying for a police escort that closed down a traffic lane in the Lincoln Tunnel, now faces a potential 55 years in prison — up from 20 previously.
When indicted in June, the three men were charged with one count of conspiracy to commit honest-services fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
The new indictment which accuses the officers of selling official police services for watches, video games and other gifts — adds charges of honest-services wire fraud, conspiracy to pay and receive bribes and the payment and receipt of bribes.
Reichberg a prominent figure in Borough Park was charged with two additional counts of honest-services wire fraud.
Lawyers for the men have denied the charges, including the new counts added Thursday.
“Allegations that Mr. Grant violated the police code of conduct do not support a conviction of a federal crime,” said Grant’s lawyer, John Meringolo.
“Mr. Reichberg is innocent and we will show that in court,” said his lawyer, Susan Necheles.
“Chief Harrington vigorously maintains his innocence and looks forward to a public airing of these baseless charges before an impartial jury,” said his lawyer, Andrew Weinstein.
