New York City’s former guardian of the law, Michael Rizzi, has been sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment for his involvement in a multi-million dollar prostitution ring. The retired NYPD officer was also ordered to serve four months’ home confinement and three years of supervised release following his conviction.
United States District Judge Carol B. Amon further imposed the forfeiture of 58 websites, $120,247 from merchant accounts, and a Florida vacation home acquired through proceeds of the illegal operation.
Rizzi operated the BJM/Manhattan Stakes and Entertainment (BJM) service, advertising on various online platforms including nycescortsnyc.com. The company’s ‘phone bookers’ arranged appointments while drivers collected cash and receipts from prostitutes. Customers were charged up to $2,000 per hour, with some spending over $100,000 in a single night.
The investigation revealed that BJM accumulated millions in payments, including more than $2 million in credit card transactions between 2012 and 2016. The ring’s predecessor, Pure Platinum Models, was closed in 2014 after its owner, Marc Schulman, was convicted of laundering over $1 million.
Acting United States Attorney Bridget M. Rohde emphasized the commitment to dismantling money laundering organizations involved in illegal prostitution. Special Agent-in-Charge Angel M. Melendez highlighted the aggressive stance against those who run illegal prostitution rings and the proceeds generated by such activities.
The investigation is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer M. Sasso, Erik D. Paulsen (prosecution), and Claire Kedeshian (forfeiture).
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Organized Crime|Cybercrime|Sex Crimes|Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
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