A 69-year-old attorney is suspected of financial exploitation and theft, after allegedly stealing thousands from a woman who was in prison and used some of the money for gambling activities.
Attorney Stealing from Inmate, Disheartening, Says County DA
The case from Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, involves an attorney identified with the initials J.A.R. The 69-year-old man from Latrobe is facing a range of charges, including financial exploitation, theft, receiving stolen property and engaging in deceptive business practices, among other criminal charges, the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office confirms.
Overall, the local attorney is suspected of stealing $31,000 from a victim who was behind bars. The suspected allegedly used some of the stolen money to fuel a gambling habit. Still, it is unclear whether or not the Latrobe resident was suffering from problem gambling and if his actions were the result of addiction.
Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole W. Ziccarelli commented on the criminal case acknowledging the allegations as “disheartening.” She added that such actions from a person who is required to uphold the law are concerning.
Additionally, Ziccarelli encouraged anyone else who may have fallen victim to the actions of the attorney to report those unlawful actions. Finally, the Westmoreland County District Attorney thanked County Detective Nicholas Caesar for his dedication and hard work that helped uncover the criminal actions.
“These allegations are nothing short of disheartening, that someone who is expected to uphold and abide by the law would be accused of taking advantage of a client in such a vulnerable state.“
Nicole W. Ziccarelli, Westmoreland County District Attorney
Investigation Finds Gambling Transactions of More than $382K
An investigation into the actions of 69-year-old Latrobe resident was launched after a theft report was filed. The police probe started in September and uncovered that the victim of the crime was a 60-year-old woman who was in prison.
The attorney is suspected of visiting the incarcerated victim and offering his services. Although the victim was already represented, the 69-year-old attorney allegedly told her that she could get released from prison if she paid a $2,500 fee for representation.
The victim agreed to pay the aforementioned fee, and the attorney allegedly returned with the required documents. The incarcerated victim signed the documents that affectively designated one of the attorney’s employees a power of attorney.
Despite the suspect’s promise, he never represented the woman in question. Furthermore, detectives uncovered unauthorized transactions via the victim’s bank account. Those transactions showed transfers of approximately $31,300, completed between April and August this year.
Investigating further, police executed a search warrant at the suspect’s office and recovered the power of attorney agreement and the other document signed by the victim. Searching an online gambling account belonging to the suspect, police found transactions of more than $382,000, completed between April and September this year.