Corrupt Philadelphia Lawyer Sentenced to 5 Years In Prison
By Tony Hanson
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A disgraced Philadelphia attorney who cheated family, clients, and even his own law firm has been sentenced to five years in prison.
His crimes cost victims their homes, their businesses, and their life savings (see previous story). Victims cried in court as they described the economic and emotional carnage caused by Jeffrey Abramowitz.
One man, a Korean immigrant, testified that he and his wife had built a life here over a span of 39 years, but Abramowitz has cost them everything: their home, business, and life savings. The husband told the court he had tried to commit suicide because of Jeffrey Abramowitz.
Victim Marci Feller says she nearly died and is permanently disabled following a serious car crash, because Abramowitz withheld money from her.
The sentence was within the guideline range, but fell short of what the victims wanted for him.
"The sentence wasn't enough," said Feller afterward, "but I am glad they took him away right away. I feel it should be longer because I will be suffering for my whole life. I feel he should be put in jail for the rest of his life."
Abramowitz was handcuffed in court and taken away to begin serving his sentence.
