Lawyer found guilty of stealing more than $400K

BOWLING GREEN – A local lawyer accused of stealing more than $400,000 from a client was found guilty late Wednesday on all 14 counts he faced.

Robert Searfoss III, 40, of Perrysburg was convicted by a jury in Wood County Common Pleas Court of two counts of aggravated theft, four counts of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, four counts of money laundering, three counts of theft, and one count of grand theft.

The jury also found Searfoss responsible for 20 of 22 specifications that sought forfeiture of money as well as property purchased with the stolen money.

Prosecutors said Searfoss was in serious personal financial straits when he dipped into the trust of Eric Walker to buy a house and pay off debt, including back taxes, child support, and a home equity loan.

Defense attorney Rick Kerger contended Walker had borrowed the money from Mr. Walker's trust to be paid back with interest as a way of helping Mr. Walker shield the trust from his ex-wife.

Common Pleas Judge Alan Mayberry is to sentence Searfoss Jan. 2.

Searfoss has been held in the Wood County jail since his indictment in May.

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Lawyer found guilty of stealing more than $400K 

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Lawyer arraigned on 14 theft charges