NEW HAVEN, Conn. — A former butler has been found guilty of charges he tried to extort millions of dollars from philanthropist Anne H. Bass during a 2007 home invasion at her estate.
A federal jury in New Haven found Emanuel Nicolescu guilty of attempted extortion and other charges on its first day of deliberations.
Authorities say three men broke into the house on April 15, 2007, injected Bass and a guest with what they claimed was a deadly virus and refused to provide an antidote unless they turned over $8.5 million. The substance turned out to be harmless.
Nicolescu’s attorney, who did not call any witnesses, says he did not participate in the crime.
Bass testified Tuesday she was certain she would die during the crime.