NYPD vice detective who ran a $2million-per-year gambling and prostitution ring with his partner-in-crime wife is sentenced to four to 12 years behind bars so she and their two daughters avoid prison
- Ludwig Paz was sentenced to four to 12 years Tuesday in Queens Supreme Court
- The 51-year-old took a plea deal sparing his wife Arelis Peralta a year in prison and misdemeanor charges for their daughters for their roles in the crime ring
- Paz and Peralta had been operating brothels in Queens, Brooklyn and Nassau Counties and multiple gambling rooms set up inside salons and other businesses
- Peralta wept in court as her husband apologized for his crimes and was led away
- Paz’s lawyer said he’s at peace with his decision to sacrifice himself for his family
An ex-NYPD vice detective who moonlighted as the kingpin of a $2million-per-year gambling and prostitution ring will serve up to 12 years in prison after taking a plea deal to protect his family.
Ludwig Paz, 51, was sentenced to four to 12 years on Tuesday in Queens Supreme Court after reaching the deal, which spared his accomplice wife Arelis Peralta a yearlong prison sentence and misdemeanor charges for his two daughters.
The couple pleaded guilty last month to operating brothels in Queens, Brooklyn and Nassau Counties and numerous gambling rooms set up inside beauty parlors and other businesses.
Prosecutors said Paz had recruited seven active-duty police officers to assist his illegal enterprise, relying on the cops to warn him of impending raids or undercover operations.
Former NYPD vice detective Ludwig Paz (left) was sentenced to four to 12 years in prison on Tuesday after pleading guilty to running a $2million-per-year gambling and prostitution ring. He took a plea deal in exchange for his accomplice wife Arelis Peralta (right) avoiding jail time
Paz and Peralta pleaded guilty last month to operating brothels in Queens, Brooklyn and Nassau Counties and numerous gambling rooms set up inside beauty parlors and other spots
Peralta wept in the courtroom as her husband apologized for his crimes before being led away in handcuffs.
‘I want to apologize to the court, the DA’s office and the NYPD for my wrongful behavior,’ Paz, of Queens, told the judge.
‘I want to apologize and say sorry and ask for forgiveness to my family for my actions and all the pain and suffering that I’ve caused them.’
Peralta was released on May 21 after being sentenced to time served under her husband’s deal.
‘I’m just devastated,’ 43-year-old Peralta said after the hearing as she escorted the couple’s 12-year-old special needs son out, according to the New York Daily News.
‘Come on, baby,’ she told him. ‘You ain’t gonna see daddy any more.’
The couple’s daughters, who have not been named, faced possible misdemeanor charges for their involvement in their parents’ crime ring. Paz and Peralta are pictured on a beach vacation
The detective pleaded guilty to attempted enterprise corruption and promoting prostitution last month.
Peralta pleaded guilty to enterprise corruption and was immediately released.
Both of the couple’s daughters were facing conditional charges after having helped out with the illicit family business, but those charges were dropped after their Paz’ plea deal.
Paz’s attorney Frank Kelly asked the judge to have his client admitted into a state corrections program that could free him after just a year in prison.
He said Paz was at peace with his decision to take the plea deal.
‘He got more time that we originally had worked out in order to save his wife and two daughters,’ said Kelly. ‘He did the right thing by his family.’
Paz’s lawyer said he is at peace with his decision to sacrifice his own freedom for his family