Ex-butler found guilty in philanthropist extortion

NEW HAVEN, Conn. - March 22, 2012 (WPVI) -- A former butler has been found guilty of trying to extort millions of dollars from philanthropist Anne H. Bass during a 2007 home invasion at her Connecticut estate.

A federal jury in New Haven found Emanuel Nicolescu (nik-oh-LES'-kyoo) guilty Thursday 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 his client did not participate in the crime.

Bass testified Tuesday that she was certain she would die during the crime.

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