Case builds against Scots-born ‘vice queen’

THE net appears to be tightening around a Scottish-born alleged madam, but her New York lawyer insists there will be no deal with prosecutors until he sees the evidence.

Anna Gristina could be sprung from the notorious Rikers Island prison as early as next week, with her former attorney’s apartment being put up as bond against her fleeing the United States.

But reports suggest the case against her is building, with two call girls and a money-launderer thought to be helping the district attorney’s investigation into the alleged vice queen.

The New York Post claimed yesterday that alleged prostitutes Mhairiangela Bottone, 30, and Catherine DeVries, 31, were co-operating with prosecutors after being picked up days after Gristina’s arrest on 23 February

A third person alleged to be the brothel’s money-launderer is also reported to be speaking to the district attorney’s office.

It was suggested that all three were being grilled for evidence against Gristina, 44, and her co- accused, Jaynie Mae Baker

The development comes a day after Gristina’s lawyer suggested a plea bargain might be in the offing. Speaking to The Scotsman yesterday, Gary Greenwald suggested the latest revelations had not increased the chances of a deal with prosecutors.

“Not until I have got certain information from the DA (district attorney),” he added.

Mr Greenwald was only retained by Gristina on Thursday night and has yet to receive surveillance tapes allegedly linking his client to prostitution.

Originally from Kirkliston, near Edinburgh, she is charged with promoting prostitution.