Suspended NKY attorney accused of taking funds from dead woman's estate

Dale Anthony Brinker

A suspended Fort Wright attorney has been charged with stealing from clients' estates, according to prosecutors. 

On Wednesday, Dale Anthony Brinker, 60, was charged with two counts of felony theft after a complaint about suspected misappropriation of funds entrusted to Brinker, according to the Kenton County Commonwealth's Attorney.

Prosecutors said the Kentucky Bar Association lists Brinker as a "former member" and said he has been suspended from the practice of law since 2010.

According to the arrest warrant, Joan Siemer signed a will that was prepared by Brinker in 1994. When Siemer died in February 2006, the money did not go to heirs, instead, $110,000 sat in a bank account.

In January, two transfers of $10,000 were made to accounts controlled by Brinker and one $5,000 check was cashed by Brinker, police said. 

Commonwealth's Attorney Rob Sanders said prosecutors are seeking the public's assistance to locate the heirs of Siemer's estate.

Sanders said investigators are looking into at least two other complaints of allegedly misappropriated funds.

Sanders advises anyone concerned about Brinker to contact Kentucky State Police.

Anyone who believes they have information which would assist in the investigation or who may be a victim, should contact Detective Charles Hazelwood at Kentucky State Police Post 6 in Dry Ridge at 859-428-1212.

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Suspended NKY attorney accused of taking funds from dead woman's estate