Ex-Hazlet Lawyer Sentenced to 10 Years for Massive Client Fraud

Steven H. Salami Ordered to Repay $1.18M After Defrauding Over 60 Clients in Real Estate Scheme

By Jim Lonergan

FREEHOLD, NJ – A former Hazlet real-estate attorney who embezzled nearly $1.18 million from over 60 clients has been sentenced to 10 years in state prison. Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced the sentencing of 49-year-old Steven H. Salami on Tuesday, marking the conclusion of a case involving years of deceit and financial exploitation.

Salami, now disbarred, was sentenced by Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Christie Bevacqua during a hearing on Friday, January 17. As part of the sentence, Salami has been ordered to repay the full amount of the stolen funds to the New Jersey Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection, which had previously reimbursed his defrauded clients.

A Pattern of Deceit

The investigation into Salami’s misconduct began with complaints from four victims, who collectively lost nearly $300,000 between April and August 2019. Acting as their attorney, Salami accepted funds for real-estate transactions and deposited the money into escrow accounts but failed to perform the required services. This led to missed closing dates, voided transactions, and significant financial losses for the victims.

Salami’s arrest in October 2019 was only the beginning. The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO) Financial Crimes and Special Prosecutions Unit continued its investigation, uncovering dozens of additional victims. Their efforts culminated in a 63-count indictment handed down by a Monmouth County Grand Jury in July 2021.

Legal Proceedings and Guilty Plea

The case faced delays as the Superior Court Appellate Division reviewed and ultimately restored two counts of the indictment previously dismissed by a lower court. In October 2024, Salami pleaded guilty to second-degree Financial Facilitation of Criminal Activity, acknowledging his role in defrauding his clients.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Lawrence Nelsen, Director of the MCPO Financial Crimes and Special Prosecutions Unit, while Salami was represented by Steven E. Nelson, Esq., of Neptune.

Justice Served

Prosecutor Santiago emphasized the gravity of Salami’s actions. “Mr. Salami’s betrayal of his clients’ trust not only caused them significant financial harm but also undermined the integrity of the legal profession. This sentencing reflects our commitment to holding those who abuse their professional positions accountable.”

Salami’s disbarment and prison sentence serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of professional misconduct. For his victims, the repayment order offers some measure of restitution, though the emotional and financial impact of his crimes will likely linger.

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Ex-Hazlet Lawyer Sentenced to 10 Years for Massive Client Fraud