Friday, July 20, 2018

Prison-bound lawyer to pay back over $300K he stole from clients

A Woodbridge lawyer admitted to stealing his clients money, and entered into a plea agreement that includes five years in state prison and restitution of approximately $310,000.

Richard Zuvich, 64, of Woodbridge pleaded guilty Monday in Middlesex County Superior Court to thefts that took place between May 8, 2015 and July 2017 according to Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office.

In the first incident, prosecutors say Zuvich admitted he took the proceeds from a house sale for a client, put the funds in a trust account, then withdrew the funds for himself.

He pleaded guilty to theft by unlawful taking and misapplication of entrusted property.

In another incident, Zuvich stole the insurance settlement money for his client for a house that burned down. Prosecutors say the client had no knowledge that Zuvich had negotiated the settlement.

As part of the settlement, Zuvich pleaded guilty to theft by deception and theft by failure to make required disposition.

Zuvich has practiced as a lawyer for nearly 27 years.

He is scheduled to be sentenced by Superior Court Judge Pedro Jimenez in New Brunswick on Feb. 22, 2019. 

Full Article & Source:
Prison-bound lawyer to pay back over $300K he stole from clients

3 comments:

B Inberg said...

Lawyers have many opportunities to go criminal. How many other incidents are there that went undiscovered or the statute of limitations ran out?

I'm pleased that Richard Zuvich was nailed to the wall for his dirty, unforgivable intentional activities.

Applause & standing ovation to the prosecutors who settled this case that includes the all important issue of prison time and RESTITUTION. A message must be sent that crime doesn't pay.

Craig Falon said...

Glad to see him being forced to pay it back. It's something for him to look forward to when he gets out!

June Longachre said...

He should pay it back with interest!