Disbarred Michigan attorney pleads guilty to stealing from 95-year-old client
(CBS DETROIT) - A 63-year-old disbarred attorney pleaded guilty to stealing more than $40,000 from an elderly client, the Michigan Attorney General's office announced Tuesday.
James O'Briant, of Coldwater, is charged with four counts of larceny of $20,000 or more and two counts of failure to file a tax return. Under the plea agreement, O'Briant is required to pay $154,511.73 in restitution to the victim by the end of April and pay $13,556 to the Michigan Department of Treasury.
His sentencing would only be for one count of larceny and dismiss the other charges if the plea agreement is met.
State officials say O'Briant accessed the 95-year-old's money through his job. The victim's money was on a temporary hold under the law firm's trust account. Officials say O'Briant transferred the money to the law firm's business accounts and withdrew them for himself.
O'Briant also did not report the money in his 2018 and 2019 taxes.
"Many older adults need financial management assistance from legal professionals, and they should be able to count on the safekeeping of their money when entrusted to a law firm," Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a statement.
O'Briant is scheduled to appear for sentencing on May 6, 2024.