Long Island Lawyer Stole Nearly $6 Million From Clients: DA

A Long Island attorney who prosecutors say stole nearly $6 million from clients has been arraigned on grand larceny charges.

Newsday reports 50-year-old David Frankel appeared in a Hempstead court on Monday.

The Nassau County District Attorney's office says the West Hempstead attorney tapped into an escrow fund of $5.7 million and allegedly took the money for personal use in his own investments. The funds were proceeds from the refinancing of mortgages on as many as eight multifamily homes in Brooklyn.

Prosecutors say Frankel took from the account after he began representing clients from June 2012 to Feb. 28, 2014. The money belonged to seven realty companies that had overlapping ownership in the eight properties.

His attorney declined to comment. He is due back in court Oct. 21.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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