Summary: A disbarred divorce lawyer is accused of misappropriating over $215,000 of a client’s money.
A Sarasota, Florida lawyer already disbarred from practicing law has now been accused of misappropriating a client’s money. Former divorce and family lawyer Jordan Wallach, 63, is charged with grand theft of $100,000 or more, according to WTSP.
Wallach was arrested Thursday. The criminal charge against Wallach comes with a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison if convicted. The Sarasota Police Department claims he misused at least $215,353.39.
The issues started in September 2017 when one of Wallach’s victims tried to cash a life insurance check but it bounced. A petition was issued a month later for him to replace the funds but he did so his accounts were frozen.
A full investigation was launched. In November, Sarasota police detectives were able to speak with several of his clients. They told detectives that they had entrusted Wallach with their money but he never returned it. This then led to the discovery that Wallach was writing checks not listed on his law firm’s accounting ledgers so he could move money to other accounts that belonged to him.
In January 2018, Wallach was voluntarily disbarred. Detectives are still investigating, believing there may be more victims.
Do you think more instances of misappropriation happen in small, solo law firms or in larger firms? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
To learn more about Florida attorneys who stole their clients’ money, read these articles:
- Venice Attorney Adam Miller Accused of Stealing from Clients Just like His Father Was
- Former Rep. Corrine Brown Sentenced to 5 Years
- Attorney Randall Gilbert Chose to Hire an Embezzler to Manage Firm Finances
Photo: yourobserver.com
Mug Shot: wfla.com