Disbarred Attorney Indicted for Allegedly Stealing More Than $400K From Elderly Woman

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph Deters announced today the indictment of a former attorney who allegedly stole more than $400,000 from an 83-year-old woman from Morrow.

William G. Goetz of Cincinnati, was indicted Tuesday by a Hamilton County grand jury on two counts of Theft from the Elderly, two counts of Money Laundering, and one count of Tampering with Records.

If convicted, Goetz faces a maximum of 31 years in prison.

According to investigators, Goetz prepared legal documents and participated in a complex real estate transaction for the homeowner. He allegedly took more than $400,000 from the homeowner that was intended for future tax payments stemming from the land deal. Goetz is accused of depositing the funds into his business accounts for his own personal use.

As part of the deception, Goetz also allegedly created a fake letter from the Ohio Attorney General's office to further his crimes.

Goetz was disbarred by the North Dakota Supreme Court in 1991 for fraudulent dealings with his clients. He is not and has never been an attorney admitted to the practice of law in Ohio.

The Ohio Supreme Court sanctioned Goetz for unauthorized practice of law and fined him $30,000 in 2005.

A warrant has been issued for Goetz's arrest. 

Source:
Man Allegedly Stole $400,000 From Elderly Morrow Woman