Disbarment – Worthy Crimes

An attorney who stole nearly $800,000 in entrusted funds was disbarred by the New York Appellate Division for the First Judicial Department.

On June 22, 2015, respondent pleaded guilty in Supreme Court, Nassau County, to two counts of grand larceny in the second degree in violation of Penal Law § 155.40(1), class C felonies, and one count of scheme to defraud in the first degree in violation of Penal Law § 190.65(1)(b), a class E felony.

Respondent admitted to stealing more than $797,000 in funds belonging to clients over a four-year period, many of which involved estate and guardianship matters. Respondent agreed to sign a confession of judgment for restitution in the amount of $797,332.67. On December 8, 2015, respondent was sentenced to 4 to 12 years in prison.

The crimes to which respondent pleaded guilty are felonies under the laws of this State, and therefore upon her conviction thereof, she ceased to be an attorney by operation of law.

Newsday reported on the crimes

A Great Neck attorney faces up to 12 years in state prison after she admitted to stealing more than three-quarters of a million dollars from elderly and mentally incapacitated clients she represented, Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown said in a statement.

Martha Brosius, 52, is scheduled for sentencing on Aug. 12 and faces 4 to 12 years in prison, Brown said.

Additional details may be found in this press release from the Queens County District Attorney’s office. (Mike Frisch)