"He did his job. He did what he was supposed to do," Cohen said.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Thakur said Simchuk initially lied about how he broke his leg, telling investigators he slipped on ice. But Cohen said that was only to protect his wife, who was still in Russia at the time.
In all, 12 of those charged in the scheme pleaded guilty, including most of the "B-Girls" who have subsequently been deported. Three men were convicted in last year's trial. One suspect remains a fugitive, and another is scheduled for trial in the coming months.
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