A former real estate attorney in the New York’s Westchester County was arrested and charged with one count of grand larceny in the second degree for allegedly stealing his client’s funds.
According to the charges brought against him, Brian Schmidt represented a home seller at a real estate closing between August and November 2022 and unlawfully retained over $50,000 of the proceeds from the sale. Schmidt was disbarred from practicing law in June 2024 in connection with the incident and other alleged acts of misconduct.
Schmidt pleaded not guilty and was released on his own recognizance pending further proceedings. The maximum potential penalty he faces in five to 15 years in state prison.
“Members of the bar are entrusted with a great deal of responsibility on behalf of the people they represent,” said Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace. “Brian Schmidt is accused of abusing that trust to enrich himself at the expense of his client. My office stands ready to assist the victim in this case and will work toward obtaining restitution for her and anyone else harmed by his conduct.”
