PORTLAND (AP) – A lawyer facing federal felony charges that he helped to run a prostitution ring and laundered money for a Kittery massage parlor can no longer practice law in New Hampshire.
The New Hampshire Supreme Court on Thursday suspended Gary Reiner’s license, citing rules that forbid lawyers charged with serious crimes from practicing law.
New Hampshire’s Professional Conduct Committee alerted the court to Reiner’s indictment in Maine. Administrator James DeHart said it is rare that a lawyer is suspended from practice under the rule.
Reiner, 54, of Eliot, is accused of advising club owners and managers about legal and regulatory matters as well as the operation of the club. Prosecutors say Reiner hired a club manager, deposited club receipts, negotiated with pimps, and collected entrance fees from customers.
Steven Gordon, a lawyer representing Reiner, said Tuesday he will challenge the suspension in the next week and remains hopeful the ruling will be reversed.
“We’re disappointed in the ruling,” he said. “But I always have hope for success.”
Reiner pleaded innocent to laundering $2.5 million of the club’s income and other charges including violating federal interstate commerce laws. If convicted, he could face $250,000 in fines and 10 years in prison.
Two others have pleaded guilty in the case.
Russell Pallas, the club’s former manager, pleaded guilty in December to conspiracy to transport people engaged in prostitution. He faces as much as five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Mary Ann Manzoli, 64, of Lynnfield, Mass., the club’s bookkeeper and the widow of a former owner, pleaded guilty to conspiracy last month to launder more than $3 million and faces as much as 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Reiner, who’s free on $100,000 bail, continues to practice law in Maine, which does not suspend licenses until lawyers have been convicted.
AP-ES-02-15-05 1344EST
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