Butler faces sentencing in fake-virus extortion

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) — A former butler for philanthropist Anne H. Bass is facing sentencing for attempted extortion in connection with a home invasion in which she and a companion were held hostage on her estate and injected with what masked intruders claimed was a deadly virus.

Emanuel Nicolescu will be sentenced Friday in federal court in New Haven.

Authorities said three masked intruders broke into Bass' Kent home in 2007, injected Bass and her partner and refused to provide an antidote unless they turned over $8.5 million. The injected substance was harmless.

A jury found Nicolescu guilty of attempted extortion and other charges.

Nicolescu's lawyers say he should get a sentence of not more than 8 years. Prosecutors are seeking a sentence of 25 to 30 years.