A former N.Y. lawyer, who was disbarred, pled guilty yesterday to stealing almost $140,000 from his clients.
Manhattan prosecutors say Howard Blau violated the trust he had with several of his clients, whom he originally met when he was doing pro bono work for the Jazz Foundation of America and the Actor’s Fund of America.
“This lawyer’s dishonesty is wholly at odds with what we expect of members of the bar,” Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. said. “Today’s conviction holds the defendant accountable for fraudulent conduct that caused serious financial damage to his victims, who entrusted him with their personal affairs and bank accounts.”
Blau pleaded guilty to grand larceny and a theme to defraud. Blau’s lawyer said he was hoping for restitution and that his client may not serve jail time.
