A Manhattan attorney who once worked as a prosecutor and three former New York City police officers were arrested Tuesday in a federal gun licensing probe described by authorities as a scam in which police employees traded speedy handling of gun permits for paid vacations, jewelry, catered parties, cash and visits to strip clubs.

Among those charged was John Chambers, a lawyer who worked from 1983 to 1985 as a Brooklyn assistant district attorney. He faces charges of bribery and conspiracy.