By Shayna Jacobs
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN SUPREME COURT — A disgraced high-end art dealer who pleaded guilty to ripping off his clients for $120 million can remain free until his sentencing in August, a judge decided Wednesday.
Prosecutors tried Wednesday to put Lawrence Salander, 49, behind bars, asserting that he had declined to meet with victims to discuss restitution and had also lied about his intentions to attend rehab for an alcohol problem.
The art dealer has handled purchases and sales for celebrity clients including John McEnroe and Robert De Niro's father.
"In typical Salander fashion," said Assistant District Attorney Micki Shulman, he "has come up with various different reasons to delay the sentencing beyond what was originally contemplated."
He was given six months of freedom from the date he pleaded guilty in March to devise a plan for restitution, arrange for victim refunds and get treatment for alcoholism, prosecutors said.
Shulman said the accused swindler "manipulates his way through the justice system," and has not complied with the conditions of his bail. But Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Michael Obus did not agree.
"I do not believe the defendant has violated the bail conditions so I do not see a reason why he should be remanded now," Obus said.
Salander's lawyer, Charles Ross, said the dealer has been meeting with victims to discuss repayments possibilities, despite the DA's contentions.
"We continue to have high hope that we will report restitution payments on the day of sentencing," Ross said.
Salander is scheduled to be sentenced on August 3. He faces up to six years in prison.
