Feds arrest ex-NYPD officer in prostitution case

A former NYPD officer with alleged ties to the mob has been charged with money laundering and stands accused of running a high-end prostitution ring, according to officials with the United States Justice

News 12 Staff

May 25, 2016, 3:00 AM

Updated 2,984 days ago

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A former NYPD officer with alleged ties to the mob has been charged with money laundering and stands accused of running a high-end prostitution ring, according to officials with the United States Justice Department.
Federal agents arrested Michael Rizzi Tuesday morning outside his home in Bensonhurst.
Authorities accuse Rizzi of owning and operating BJM/Manhattan Stakes and Entertainment, which allegedly provided high-end prostitutes throughout the metropolitan area from 2012 until earlier this month.
Prosecutors say the company advertised on more than 50 websites and charged clients up to $25,000 per night. They also accuse Rizzi of setting up personal and business bank accounts to launder millions of dollars in profits.
If convicted, the former police officer faces a maximum of 20 years in prison on the initial charges, but prosecutors announced that he may face additional gun charges ahead of his arraignment in Downtown Brooklyn.
They say a gun was found in his possession after he was taken into custody.


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