From Prosecutor to Prison: The Paul Bergrin and Hakeem Curry Connection

 Paul Bergrin was once a rising figure in New Jersey’s legal world. He worked as both a federal and county prosecutor before entering private practice as a criminal defense attorney. Over time, however, his career veered into dangerous territory. Instead of distancing himself from crime, Bergrin became deeply entangled with one of Newark’s most violent drug networks, run by Hakeem Curry.

“No Kemo, No Case”

The turning point came in 2003, when Curry’s associate, William Baskerville, was arrested on drug charges. Prosecutors planned to rely on testimony from an informant named Kemo McCray. According to trial testimony, Bergrin met with Curry’s crew and warned that if McCray appeared in court, Baskerville would be convicted. He allegedly told them, “No Kemo, no case.”

Those words set a deadly plan in motion. Soon after, Anthony Young—one of Curry’s enforcers—shot and killed McCray. The murder not only silenced a witness but also marked Bergrin’s slide from lawyer to co-conspirator.

The Federal Case Against Bergrin

Authorities eventually built a sweeping case against Bergrin. Prosecutors argued that he had:

• Conspired to kill a federal informant

• Used his law license to pass information to drug traffickers

• Operated a prostitution ring

• Attempted to tamper with other witnesses

The evidence was overwhelming. In 2013, a federal jury convicted him on all major counts. A judge sentenced him to six concurrent life terms, ensuring he would never be released.

Hakeem Curry’s Downfall

While Bergrin faced his own reckoning, Hakeem Curry had already fallen. Federal investigators identified him as the leader of a Newark drug empire that controlled territory through violence and intimidation. In 2006, Curry was convicted of drug conspiracy and money laundering charges. He too received a life sentence without parole, effectively dismantling his organization.

Lessons from the Case

The Bergrin-Curry saga is extraordinary not only because of the violence involved but also because of who was involved. Bergrin was sworn to uphold the law, yet he crossed the line to protect and enable a drug kingpin. His knowledge of the justice system made him an even more dangerous figure once he chose corruption over integrity.

This case underscores two hard truths:

1. The justice system depends on trust. When an officer of the court betrays that trust, the damage extends far beyond a single case.

2. Witness protection is essential. The murder of Kemo McCray illustrates the risks informants face and the lengths criminal enterprises will go to silence them.

Final Thoughts

Paul Bergrin’s transformation from respected prosecutor to convicted criminal is one of New Jersey’s most shocking legal stories. By aligning himself with Hakeem Curry’s drug empire, he ensured his own downfall. Today, both men serve life sentences, reminders of how crime—even when cloaked in legal authority—ultimately leads to the same destination: prison.