Maurice Richard "Pro" Lerner (December 20, 1935 – September 5, 2013)[1] was a Mafia hit man connected with the Patriarca crime family who was convicted of murder in 1970.
His conviction was overturned due to unethical behavior by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and its chief witness.
After he graduated, Lerner served two years in the US Marines, before signing on with the Erie Senators, and played minor league baseball through 1963.
[2] Lerner compiled a career batting average of .308 with 24 home runs and 225 RBI in his 482-game career with the Erie Senators, Boise Braves, Yakima Bears, Topeka Hawks, Wilson Tobs, Jacksonville Braves, Atlanta Crackers, Savannah Pirates, Charlotte Hornets, Macon Peaches, Raleigh Capitals and York White Roses.
On June 9, 1965, Lerner was arrested on an outstanding fugitive from justice charge while sitting in Kelley's car.
The warrant had been issued in December 1962 in Knox County, Tennessee charging Lerner with three counts of forging and uttering checks amounting to $140.
[11] The Court ruled, in the case Lerner v. Moran 542 A.2d 1089 (1988): ...that Kelley's perjury, elicited by the FBI, constituted material exculpatory evidence withheld in violation of the applicant's due-process rights.