Longtime NY Lawyer Pleads Guilty to Felony After Providing Cellphone to Jailed Client
A longtime criminal defense lawyer in Rochester, N.Y., has pleaded guilty to a felony prison contraband charge after admittedly bringing a cellphone and charger into the Monroe County Jail earlier this year and giving them to a client.
Rudolph LePore, who was 83 when he was charged earlier this year, is to be sentenced in February to five years of probation and 200 hours of community service, reports the Democrat and Chronicle.
Authorities said the cell phone, which came into the prison in LePore’s briefcase, passed from his client to two other inmates, who allegedly used it to help them escape. They were subsequently recaptured. It isn’t clear that LePore had any idea the phone would be used in this manner.
The article doesn’t include any comment from LePore or his lawyer.
Local ABC affiliate WHAM reported in March that the district attorney was regretful about having to bring the case.
“We certainly don’t gain any pleasure out of pursuing charges or presenting evidence to a grand jury concerning a member of the local bar,” said Monroe County Assistant District Attorney Matthew Schwartz. “It’s an unfortunate situation for Mr. LePore for sure.”
Earlier coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Defense Lawyer Criminally Charged, Accused of Providing Cellphone that Aided Jailed Inmates’ Escape”