Steven Rondos a New Jersey Lawyer is accused of stealing 4 million dollars from clients that ranged from handicapped children to the elderly, including one dead client whose bank accounts he supervised. The NY Times reports Mr. Rondos and his wife Camille Raia have a Law Firm in Brooklyn. So far no charges have been brought against Ms. Raia.
Mr. Rondos was appointed as a Guardian by the courts to manage money for children who were afflicted with cerebral palsy from medical malpractice as well as elderly people. Rondos used the money to make mortgage payments and renovate his New Jersey house, and to pay for landscaping and install a home theater, prosecutors said. Prosecutors have filed suit against both Ms. Raia and Mr. Rondos for more than $4.7 million, which includes the total amount that prosecutors say was stolen and the value of their law firm, Raia & Rondos. The money will be used to repay the victims or the estates that were assigned to Mr. Rondos.
Mr. Rondos was arrested Wednesday morning at his home in New Jersey and charged with money laundering, grand larceny and scheme to defraud. He was being held in New Jersey on Wednesday night and was expected to appear before a judge there on Thursday morning. If he waives extradition, he will be taken to Manhattan for arraignment. If convicted, he could spend up to 25 years in prison.