Podiatrist Formally Charged With Plot to Kill His Wife

BY JOEL GROSSBARTH

The Rockland County podiatrist charged with plotting to kill his wife appeared to answer an indictment handed down by a Rockland County Grand Jury. Ira Bernstein, 42, faced Judge David Zuckerman in Rockland County Criminal Court and pled “not guilty” to each and every county of the indictment.

Bernstein, together with his alleged mistress Kelly Gribeluk, 35, is charged with plotting to kill his wife Susan Bernstein. The indictment issued by the Grand Jury charged Bernstein with three counts of conspiracy and four counts of criminal solicitation. Gribeluk was separately arraigned last month, but Judge Zuckerman indicated that both Defendants would be tried together.

Rockland prosecutor Richard Moran informed the Court he had turned over to the defense counsel several CDs containing over 1700 telephone calls that allegedly support the charges as well as documents and statements made by both Defendants.

Judge Zuckerman entered the not guilty plea on behalf of Bernstein and set a schedule for any pre-trial motions.  Defense lawyer Jeffrey Millman asked the Court for additional time to review the mass volume of evidence turned over by the District Attorney’s office. Bernstein is next due in Court on July 12, 2016 for a preliminary conference.  The trial in this matter will not likely occur until late 2016, or later.

The arraignment was interrupted by a media request to film the proceeding. Over defendant’s objections, Judge Zuckerman allowed filming of the arraignment proceeding only. Any further filming of proceedings will be addressed if a press request is made. If convicted of the top charge of Conspiracy, Bernstein faces a possible prison sentence of anywhere between one to 25 years in prison.

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