Metro

A crying shame for Starr pal

The former Park Avenue lawyer for crooked celebrity adviser Kenneth Starr repeatedly broke down in tears yesterday after he was busted for allegedly helping him bilk rich and famous investors out of $20 million.

Jonathan Bristol, 55, pleaded not guilty to money-laundering and was released on $1 million bond for allegedly funneling money stolen by Starr from investors — including actress Uma Thurman and 100-year-old heiress Bunny Melon — through two attorney trust accounts.

Defense attorney Gerard Hanlon said Bristol broke down in tears on his way to surrender, and again in custody.

Starr has already pleaded guilty to bilking his clients of as much as $50 million and is awaiting sentencing on Feb. 2.

Wearing a three-piece navy-blue suit, a blue-and-white striped shirt and a gold fleur-de-lis tie given to him by Hanlon before the hearing, Bristol appeared nervous, his eyes darting around the courtroom.

“He’s a good man,” Hanlon said afterward. “This was a difficult day for him . . . [Starr] fooled a lot of people; he may have fooled my client.”

Bristol was ordered to undergo psychiatric evaluation last night and continue mental-health treatment until his next court hearing Monday. He faces up to 20 years if convicted.