Summary: Disbarred attorney Domenick Crispino was sentenced to 11 to 22 years in prison for numerous real estate schemes that profited over $1 million.
In a series of brilliantly crafted real estate schemes that racked in over $1 million from unwitting clients and home buyers, the mastermind behind the schemes will be spending a minimum of 11 years in prison. Disbarred attorney Domenick Crispino was sentenced to 11 to 22 years behind bars for his crimes.
Brooklyn Supreme Court Judge Alexander Jeong gave the tough sentence to Crispino, stating that his crimes were “reprehensible” because of his impressive intelligence used for evil purposes. Jeong said, “It kills me that you used that intelligence to victimize these people.” Crispino graduated from the prestigious law school at Georgetown University. He represented himself in his trial, citing cases off the top of his head. Jeong was impressed at his legal knowledge and how he could stray so far from doing what is right. Jeong said, “I just don’t understand a man of your intelligence doing this.”
Crispino was convicted a month ago of grand larceny, falsifying business records, criminal possession of a forged instrument, and other charges. The jury found him guilty of targeting Brooklyn homeowners between 2011 and 2015 that were in a financial pinch. He promised the homeowners that he would help them avoid foreclosure on their properties. He did this by posing as an attorney to build credibility with the clients even though he lost his license in 1999.
Crispino was supposed to help the homeowners by holding money they gave him in escrow accounts so it could be used to pay down their mortgages. In just one instance, Crispino took over $600,000 from one man that was helping an elderly friend keep his Bath Beach house. In another job, Crispino faked a satisfaction of mortgage record and deed transfer to prove a desperate homeowner sold her Gravesend property to him for $10. From that scheme, he continued it by swiping a $47,500 down payment from a prospective buyer.
Prosecutors allege that Crispino stole roughly $1.1 million. Acting Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said, “This defendant can only be described as a financial predator, stealing as much money as he could from as many victims as he could find. Using his knowledge of the law, he repeatedly exploited the victims to enrich himself. I will not allow con artists to profit from Brooklyn’s rising home values, and my office will continue to target shameful frauds like these.”
This is not the first time Crispino has been in jail. He served six years in 1999 when he was disbarred and convicted of defrauding clients out of $1 million.
He told the judge he will appeal the verdict. Crispino lives in Staten Island with his wife and family.
Do you think Crispino is especially dangerous because of his intelligence? Tell us in the comments below.
To learn more about attorneys that have used real estate scheme to defraud clients out of money, read these articles:
- Disbarred Attorney Caught Stealing Again
- Frank Racano Pleaded Guilty To Stealing From Late Judge John Phillips Estate
- Real Estate Attorney Stole $5.7 Million
Photo: nydailynews.com