Page "Steve Bing" Paragraph 18

The paternity of Bonder's daughter was revealed thanks to the efforts of Anthony Pellicano, a Los Angeles private investigator ( and wiretapper ) hired by Kerkorian's lawyer, and also a " friend " to Bing.

According to an FBI summary, Pellicano sometimes played Hollywood clients against each other, at one point asking financier ( and Bing friend ) Ron Burkle for a $ 100, 000 to $ 250, 000 shakedown in order not to be investigated by Michael Ovitz, another Pellicano client.

In a twist to the case, The New York Times reported payments of $ 335, 000 by Bing to Pellicano between June 2000 and August 2002.

According to excerpts of recorded calls, Pellicano bragged to Kerkorian's lawyer in April and May 2002 that he was " working for " and " consulting for " Bing in matters related to Elizabeth Hurley and her son's disputed paternity, which was then in the news.

A lawyer for Bing, Martin Singer, called Pellicano's statement regarding Hurley " an absolute lie.

" ( The Daily Mail reportedly paid a " substantial " settlement to Bing in 2003 after Pellicano's sworn statement that he had " never been engaged by Mr. Bing nor his attorney Mr. Martin Singer to investigate anyone on Mr. Bing ’ s behalf, including Ms.

Hurley.

") Following two trials in 2008 in which Bing did not testify, Pellicano was convicted of 78 counts of wiretapping, racketeering, wire fraud, and conspiracy.

Pellicano was sentenced to 15 years in prison and ordered, with co-conspirator Terry N. Christensen, to forfeit $ 2 million.