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Well-Known Attorney Charged In Drug Money Laundering Scheme

BOSTON (CBS/AP) - A well-known defense attorney was charged Wednesday in a drug money laundering conspiracy.

Federal prosecutors say 56-year-old Robert George and a unidentified co-conspirator worked together "to conceal the illicit source of more than $225,000 in drug proceeds" from early 2009 to 2011.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Lana Jones reports

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George allegedly introduced a person who was cooperating with the government to George's co-conspirator, who allegedly converted drug money into checks made payable to a fictitious undercover company.

Prosecutors said George helped conceal the fact that the cash was what he understood to be drug proceeds.

WBZ-TV's Jim Smith reports.

He was arrested early Wednesday by federal drug enforcement agents at his Westwood home.  He made a brief initial appearance in federal court Wednesday and did not enter a plea.

His attorney, Rosemary Scapicchio, said George has had an "impeccable" record during three decades as an attorney and said federal agents had "set up" George.

A judge approved his release on a $50,000 unsecured bond. His attorney did not immediately comment.

INFAMOUS CLIENTS

George is best known for representing Christopher McGowan in the Christa Worthington murder trial in Barnstable in 2006.

Read: Robert George's Cases

George is also well known for his work on high profile cases defending organized crime figures like Frank Salemme and James Martorano.

He was the attorney representing 15-year old Eddie O'Brien, who was convicted of killing his friend's mother and he defended Margaret Rudin, also known as "The Black Widow."

George was also involved in the Attleboro cult murder case, and he defended William Bennett, the man originally charged with killing Carol Stuart, before her own husband became the prime suspect.

"Defense counsel play a critical role in the criminal justice system, protecting important constitutional rights upon which we all depend," United States Attorney Carmen Ortiz said in a statement.

"But when an attorney assists in the criminal concealment and laundering of drug money -- as is alleged in this case -- it impedes the administration of justice and is an affront to all ethical and law abiding members of the bar."

If convicted on all charges, prosecutors say George could face up to 25 years in prison and $500,000 in fines.

(TM and © Copyright 2010 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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