Ex-Lawyer Faces 10 Years

A former attorney will stand trial in 4th Judicial District court on charges he stole thousands of dollars from his own clients.

Bernard Grenrood, a 72-year-old man who used to practice law and live in Monroe, faces six counts of theft in excess of $500. Under Louisiana law, theft in excess of $500 carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years or a maximum fine of $2,000 or both.

According to a Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office offense report, one family claimed Grenrood stole part of their inheritance in the wake of their father's death in 2003.

In October 2004, Grenrood requested to resign from practicing law rather than face disciplinary action. The Louisiana Supreme Court granted his request, but not before listing the charges that raised the possibility of disciplinary action.

"The Office of Disciplinary Counsel has filed three separate sets of formal charges against respondent, and three disciplinary investigations are currently pending," the court decision reads. "The formal charges allege that respondent charged an excessive legal fee, entered into a prohibited business transaction with a client, failed to timely pay a third-party medical provider, converted client and third-party funds, engaged in the unauthorized practice of law, engaged in dishonest and deceitful conduct, and failed to cooperate with the ODC in its investigation."

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Theft Trial To Begin for Ex-Lawyer