A retired NYPD cop indicted on federal charges for running a prostitution ring was held on $100,000 bond Wednesday by a criminal court judge for a stolen gun found at his home.
Michael Rizzi, 44, was busted on Tuesday by federal prosecutors for conducting an online escort service where the girls billed clients up to $2,000 per hour.
During a search at his Bensonhurst home by Homeland Security, agents found an unloaded .32-caliber Rohm revolver in a desk drawer and a slew of gun cartridges for a Glock .38-mm and a .9-mm in the bedroom and buffet table in the dining room, according to the criminal complaint.
"The firearm came up stolen. The owner was not found and the defendant doesn't have a permit," said Assistant District Attorney Wilfredo Cotto in Brooklyn Criminal Court on Wednesday.
After Rizzi's family put up their home to post $500,000 bond and get him out of federal custody, he was collared by his former employer, the NYPD.
"I thought I was getting out of here. I got that years ago and I don't even think it works. I had it with a bunch of stuff," Rizzi allegedly said to detectives.
Cotto requested the judge to set bail at $100,000 bond because he has "organized crime ties" and is a flight risk.
"My client is not going anywhere," said Rizzi's attorney Javier Solano, who requested for his client to get released on his own recognizance.
Solano explained to the judge that Rizzi was aware of the federal subpoena since May 13.
Rizzi is accused of operating a number of prostitution websites, including this one.
"If Mr. Rizzi knew an old gun was in his basement, he would of gotten rid of it knowing he had the subpoena. I'd argue and won't be surprised if it's not operable," said Solano.
Rizzi's brother, a retired detective, was in court for support.
Brooklyn Criminal Court Judge Carolyn Walker-Diallo set bail at $25,000 cash or $100,000 insurance company bond.
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