NEW YORK (AP) — A suburban mother accused of running a multimillion-dollar Manhattan escort service is making a new argument for getting out of jail: her 9-year-old son's health.
Anna Gristina's lawyer said in court papers filed Friday that the boy was recently diagnosed with a heart murmur.
Lawyer Norman Pattis says a doctor concluded Gristina's absence at least contributed to the condition. Most children recover without permanent problems.
Gristina has been jailed on $2 million bond since her February arrest. She's seeking a reduction in bail, citing her son's medical needs.
The Manhattan district attorney's office declined to comment.
Prosecutors say Gristina peddled prostitutes for 15 years and boasted that she had law-enforcement contacts. Gristina's lawyers have said she was merely starting a matchmaking business.
She's pleaded not guilty to promoting prostitution.
