A New York podiatrist accused of trying twice to arrange the murder of his wife has pleaded guilty in connection with a second plot, years after publicly apologizing in court for his first attempt, as reported by The New York Post.

Dr. Ira Bernstein, of Rockland County, first appeared in court in 2017 after prosecutors said he conspired with his girlfriend, Kelly Gribeluk, to pay $100,000 to have his wife Susan Bernstein killed.

The plan was uncovered when the would-be hitman alerted authorities. Bernstein pleaded guilty to conspiracy and was sentenced to five to 15 years in prison.

At his sentencing, Bernstein addressed his wife, with whom he shares three children, in an emotional statement. “To Susan, we had a very stressful marriage, but no matter what happened there is no justification for entering into a conspiracy to have you murdered,” he said.

Here's What They're Not Telling You About Your Retirement

MORE NEWS: Insurrection Chaos Erupts as Anti-ICE Mob Tries to Storm Susan Collins’ Office in Maine [WATCH]

He added that he was “humiliated, humbled and frankly embarrassed” and pledged to live as a “compassionate and good-hearted man in the future.”

Susan Bernstein spoke during the hearing as well, describing her husband as “evil” and a father unwilling to provide support for their children.

She told the court that while she and the children lived “in a hell, a constant state of crisis,” Ira was maintaining “a high-flying lifestyle” with his girlfriend.

Bernstein was released from prison in 2021 after serving four years. But prosecutors said that by the following year, he had once again attempted to arrange his wife’s murder.

FREE Gun Law Map: Laws Don't Pause During Social Unrest

Following recent reports that Congress is considering a nationwide voter ID requirement for federal elections, do you support requiring voters to show identification before casting a ballot?

By completing the poll, you agree to receive emails from RVM News, occasional offers from our partners and that you've read and agree to our privacy policy and legal statement.

According to the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office, Bernstein asked a landscaper to kill his estranged wife and later attempted to have evidence of the plot destroyed.

Court documents show that Bernstein pleaded guilty this week to tampering with evidence tied to that second scheme. He is scheduled to be sentenced in December and could face up to three years in prison.

The couple’s marriage, which began in 2001, had been marked by years of disputes and multiple divorce filings.

In prior legal proceedings, Susan Bernstein accused her husband of neglect and abuse, while Ira countered with claims that she manipulated their children and fabricated allegations during their divorce.

Close

MORE NEWS: Armed Man Taken Into Custody After Security Scare At U.S. Capitol [WATCH]

Court filings show the disputes included lawsuits, restraining orders, and accusations on both sides.

Susan Bernstein has filed civil lawsuits on behalf of her children in connection with both murder plots, including one case in 2023 that remains ongoing.

Prosecutors also charged Bernstein’s sister, Jaclyn Goldberg, in the evidence-tampering case. Authorities said she assisted him but may have her charges dropped in six months if she avoids legal trouble.

Bernstein’s guilty plea marks the latest development in a case that has spanned nearly a decade, involving repeated accusations, criminal convictions, and ongoing civil litigation.

Warning: Account balances and purchasing power no longer tell the same story. Know in 2 minutes if your retirement is working for you.