A federal judge has denied bail to a New Jersey attorney charged with scheming to kill witnesses.

U.S. Magistrate Madeline Cox Arleo issued a ruling Friday in the case involving attorney Paul Bergrin.

Bergrin is charged with murder, conspiracy and racketeering in a 14-count indictment. He could face the death penalty if convicted.

The 53-year-old Monmouth County resident is being held in a federal detention facility in Philadelphia. He had sought to be released on 24-hour home confinement with restrictions on computer and cell phone use.

Bergrin has represented rap stars Naughty By Nature, Lil' Kim and Queen Latifah and a New Jersey soldier accused of mistreating Iraq prisoners at Abu Ghraib prison.

Veteran New York defense attorney Gerald Shargel (shar-GEL') says Bergrin's actions were within ethical boundaries.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- A federal judge has denied bail to a New Jersey attorney charged with scheming to kill witnesses.

U.S. Magistrate Madeline Cox Arleo issued a ruling Friday in the case involving attorney Paul Bergrin.

Bergrin is charged with murder, conspiracy and racketeering in a 14-count indictment. He could face the death penalty if convicted.

The 53-year-old Monmouth County resident is being held in a federal detention facility in Philadelphia. He had sought to be released on 24-hour home confinement with restrictions on computer and cell phone use.

Bergrin has represented rap stars Naughty By Nature, Lil' Kim and Queen Latifah and a New Jersey soldier accused of mistreating Iraq prisoners at Abu Ghraib prison.

Veteran New York defense attorney Gerald Shargel (shar-GEL') says Bergrin's actions were within ethical boundaries.