A relative of the Brooklyn businessman accused of giving gifts, trips, and hookers to cops in exchange for a “private police force” tried to remove seven cellphones from the family home the day of his arrest, Manhattan federal prosecutors said Tuesday.
Jeremy Reichberg, 42, pleaded not guilty last week to charges he bribed NYPD Deputy Chief Michael Harrington and Deputy Inspector James Grant with tens of thousands of dollars in goodies.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara has alleged the diamond dealer and Mayor de Blasio donor showered Harrington and Grant with gifts in exchange for favors. Harrington, 50, and Grant, 43, pleaded not guilty to their alleged role in the bribery scheme which has also implicated Correction Union Boss Norman Seabrook.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Martin Bell told Manhattan Federal Judge Gregory Woods that the evidence against the men includes recordings, emails and other documents.
Bell also said that on June 20, the day of Reichberg’s arrest, “one of Mr. Reichberg’s family members attempted to leave the home with a number of electronic devices.”
The devices included seven cell phones, thumb drives, CDs or DVDs, as well as business cards from NYPD members and local elected officials.
Bell did not name the family member. He also didn’t name the cops or officials.
Susan Necheles, who represents Reichberg, also did not identify the family member.
Necheles said she had heard Bell’s anecdote before, but didn’t understand why he mentioned it in court.
“I have no idea why they brought that up,” she said.
Necheles also downplayed the items’ significance.
“I think that people collect business cards,” she said.
